Your guide to What's On this weekend

Your essential guide to What’s On in and around Exeter this weekend (23-25 June):

THEATRE

The Railway Children
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Northcott Theatre, Exeter
E. Nesbit’s classic novel The Railway Children is brought thrillingly to life in a stunning new stage production.  When their father mysteriously disappears with two strangers one evening, the lives of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are turned upside down.  Forced to leave the comforts of their privileged London life in exchange for a simple existence in the depths of the Yorkshire countryside, this fractured family soon discover new friendships and an unexpected secret that will change their lives forever. Complete with beautiful period costumes and ingenious designs, this new production promises an uplifting theatrical experience for all ages. https://exeternorthcott.co.uk

Jack Rooke: Good Grief
Friday & Saturday, Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter
With a coffin full of sympathy snacks, Jack Rooke and his 85-year old Nan Sicely invite you to the happiest town in Britain, where Dad’s dead and the only thing to eat is lasagne. Celebrating finding happiness after tragedy, Rooke’s critically acclaimed debut blends comedy, storytelling and film to explore how we treat the bereaved and the state of welfare for grieving families. www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk

Nincompoop
Sunday, 7.30pm, Exeter Phoenix
A face-achingly funny night of alternative comedy where anything can happen and quite often does… The South West’s best and most absurd alternative comedy event, Nincompoop Presents showcases the very best new ideas in comedy, clowning, fooling, slapstick, mime, audience participation, mischief and tomfoolery.  £5 to reserve a seat and support the night or pay what you want.  www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

MUSIC

LEGEND: The Bob Marley Experience
Friday, Exeter Corn Exchange
LEGEND are seven great musicians and singers dedicated to the life and music of the late, great Bob Marley. Legend's two hour show covers the very best of Bob Marley and The Wailers timeless classics: These are just a few of his million selling hits brought to you in this fantastic two hour tribute to the acknowledged the King of reggae. www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

The Bon Jovi Experience
Friday, Exmouth Pavilion
Bon Jovi …. the greatest stadium rock band of all time is now re-created in theatres by the sensational Bon Jovi Experience. Lead singer and World’s leading look-alike, Tony Pearce, takes on the noteworthy task of emulating the legendary namesake of the band Jon Bon Jovi and he does so with ease and panache. The only tribute band in the World to have shared the stage with the real McCoy. www.ledleisure.co.uk/exmouth-pavilion/whats-on

Ba Ba Boom
Saturday, Exeter Phoenix Bar and Terrace
Highest Grade and Eyes Open Promotions present Ba Ba Boom, Exeter’s finest regular reggae dance sessions featuring Highest Grade Sound System playing the latest cuts in   dancehall, conscious vibes and classic roots reggae. Profits for famine relief in East Asia. 9pm – 2am, free before 10pm, £4 after. Over 18s only. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Fantasy Film and Fairytales
Saturday, 3pm, St Peter’s School, Quarry Lane, Exeter
EMG Symphony Orchestra will be performing a family friendly programme with Musical Director Leo Geyer, Assistant Conductor Tony Hindley and soloist Clare Smith. There will be an exit collection for Childrens’ Hospice South West. www.emgsymphonyorchestra.org

Exeter Festival Chorus: African Sanctus
Sunday, Exeter Phoenix
BackBeat Percussion Quartet; Maureen Brathwaite (soprano); Nigel Perrin conductor.  African Sanctus is the best-known work of British composer and ethnomusicologist, David Fanshawe. Described by Anthony Hopkins on BBC Radio 3 as ‘literally unique, both in conception and completion’, this ground-breaking and widely acclaimed choral Mass juxtaposes and interweaves the Latin text of the Mass with the traditional African music heard and recorded by the composer on his epic journey across Africa in the late ‘60s. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

EVENTS

Paulos Circus
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Darts Farm, Topsham, Exeter
Paulos Circus returns, bigger and brighter than ever before - from high up in the big top, to on the ground comedy, to down right scary in your face amazement, there's something for everyone! www.paulos.co.uk  

Sidmouth Literary Festival
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Sidmouth
Sidmouth Literary Festival - Sun, Sea & Books - celebrates the literary heritage of the beautiful Regency town, offering a rich menu of author events for book lovers and writers. This year's highlights include crime queen Sophie Hannah, romance writer Adele Parks, 'Mad Girl' Bryony Gordon plus talks shedding light on writing poetry, short stories and even obituaries!
http://sidmouthlitfest.co.uk

Exmouth Armed Forces Day
Saturday, Strand Gardens, Exmouth
A parade of Service Veterans and Cadets will march from the Exmouth Pavilion on the esplanade to the Strand Gardens (all veterans welcome). Stalls and activities will be provided throughout the day for all the family.  9am-4pm.

Okehampton Food and Music Festival
Saturday, 9.30am, Okehampton
Okehampton’s streets will be filled with food and drink vendors, street-food stalls and musicians. Stalls will be open from 9.30am-3pm and musicians will be performing from 10am-3pm. In the evening Oke Karaoke will be playing 80s music in The Charter Hall and the band, New Fears will be making a special appearance. This is an event for all the family with music, food, drinks, demonstrations and entertainment to suit all ages.  http://everythingokehampton.co.uk/event/food-music-festival/

Blue Cross Dog Show and Fun Day
Sunday, Blue Cross Centre, Willand Village Hall, Gables Road, Willand
A fantastic day of fun for all the family in aid of Blue Cross animal rehoming centre Tiverton featuring fun dog show, tea and cakes, arts and crafts, competitions and lots more! 11am - 4.30pm. https://www.bluecross.org.uk

Gandy Street Summer Fete
Sunday, 1pm, Gandy Street, Exeter
Gandy Street Traders will be bringing the summer holidays to Exeter with a spectacular family Summer Cider and Real Ale Festival. The cobbles will be swamped with street entertainers, barbeques, musicians and crazy games as everyone gets into the swing of summer. Visitors are invited to come along and try the ales and ciders, check out the offers from all the fabulous independent boutiques and businesses, enter the fancy dress competitions, (under 7s, 8-16 and adult categories) and try their luck with the tombola, coconut shy, hook a duck and maybe even get face-painted! 1pm-4pm.

The Nello Bike Ride
Sunday, Topsham Rugby Club, Exeter Road, Topsham
The classic 100 mile pedal from Topsham over the roof of Exmoor and back is one of the highlights of the annual cycling calendar offering great scenery; superb climbs and far reaching views. The rides start and finish at the Topsham Rugby Ground. Entry is £35 per person, £50 on the day. Book your place online http://www.forcecancercharity.co.uk/events/the-nello/

Cricklepit Mill gardens open
Sunday, 11am, Cricklepit Mill, Exeter Quay
Wildlife Trust’s Cricklepit Mill gardens will be open from 11am – 3pm. Join the Cricklepit Garden Group for exclusive tours around the garden, fun nature trails and bug hunting. Visitors can wander through the wild flower meadow and enjoy ox-eye daisies, poppies, and other vibrant flowers in full bloom. The variety of plants and habitats attract a huge range of wildlife to the garden; including striking kingfishers, dainty butterflies, grasshoppers and many other insects and birds. www.devonwildlifetrust.org

RSPCA Little Valley Family Fun Day & Dog Show
Sunday, 11am, RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter, Black Hat Lane, Bakers Hill, Exeter 
Fun and games for all the family and your canine friends as well as refreshments, stalls and BBQ. See the animals at the Shelter and see the work of Devon's only RSPCA Centre. 11am-4pm. Entry £1 adults, children 50p, under fives free. www.rspca-littlevalley.org.uk

EXHIBITIONS

Sea Life: Glimpses of the Wonderful
RAMM, Queen Street Exeter
Catch a glimpse of the magic and mystery of the world under the sea. Dive in, and delight in the wonders of aquatic life. Through a playful mix of historic objects, film, illustrations, live creatures and contemporary craft, the exhibition combines science and art to inspire a greater appreciation of Devon’s glorious coastline for visitors of all ages. The exhibition runs until 17 September, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm.

Off the Surface: The Art of Hand-Embroidery
Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey
A collaborative exhibition showcasing the art of hand embroidery, old and new. Degree students from The Royal School of Needlework have produced contemporary, hand-embroidered work inspired by treasured textiles from world renowned archives at Hampton Court Palace.The exhibition features surface designs such as appliquéd garments, wearable sculpture, 3-D stitched drapes and hangings alongside historic purses, collars and lacework - offering a rare opportunity to see the past revived in a contemporary fashion. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, until 9 July.