Your guide to What's On this weekend

Your essential guide to What’s On in and around Exeter this weekend (18-20 May):

THEATRE

Oh What a Lovely War
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
“What could have possibly happened to a man that rendered his burial impossible? What horror could have taken place that rendered the burial of 35,942 men impossible and all in one relatively small area? Charles Chilton When Charles Chilton journeyed to Northern France to seek the final resting place of his father, he found no grave, but rather a list of 35,942 officers and men of the Forces of the British Empire who died in The Great War of 1914-1918. It was Chilton’s sincere hope that such an epitaph would never have to be written upon any man’s memorial again. ‘Oh What a Lovely War’ rose as a response to his radio broadcast, ‘A Long, Long Trail’, which celebrated the songs of The Great War. The musical takes the form of a nostalgic and traditional ‘end of the pier’ show. This seaside mix of entertainment is a rollercoaster of comedy, pathos, satire and songs of the era. Tickets £12 & £10. http://www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

Count Arthur Strong is Alive and Unplugged
Saturday, 8pm, Exeter Northcott
Alone, solo and by himself, with no one with him, the show business Colossasus (check that) takes us back on a journey through his early career. Using the latest technology and all that (I presume we’ve got a projector?) he will be delving into his own personal box of video cassettes and talking us (you) through the highlights of his glittering TV career, with many of his trademark stories we’ve come to love him for. If you only buy one ticket for something this year make sure it’s this and bring someone with you. You won’t be disappointed by him (me). https://exeternorthcott.co.uk

Margo & Mr. Whatsit
Sunday, 2.30pm, Exeter Northcott
Do you have an imaginary friend? A little piece of mischief only you can see? Sophia’s imaginary friend is called Mr. Whatsit, and he’s always there with a new joke to tell and a new game to play – that is, until the day she unimagines him.  Now there’s a new imaginary friend in town – the tea-drinking, lipstick-wearing, ever-confident Margo.  Can Mr. Whatsit’s childish playfulness keep him from being unimagined forever? https://exeternorthcott.co.uk
 
MUSIC

Exeter Respect: Fusion
Saturday, 7pm, Exeter Phoenix
Fusion is collaborating with Exeter Respect Festival for our debut event. We are joining people and experiences together to form a night of foam (foam party), live music, a silent disco and more! Fusion and Exeter Respect are teaming up to promote equality. Different genres, different people, same objective…so come along and spread the love! 7pm-10pm, £12 (ages 16-18). http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

The Sixteen: Choral Pilgrimage 2018
Saturday, 7.30pm, Exeter Cathedral
Join The Sixteen in an exploration of the sacred and secular works of 16th century composers William Cornysh (both father and son) and 20th century master of the voice, Benjamin Britten. Tickets: £12 - £30 (booking fees apply). Available online (tickets.ncem.co.uk) or by phone (01904 651485).   https://thesixteen.com/events/choral-pilgrimage-2018-exeter/

Summer in the Abbey
Saturday, 7.30pm, Buckfast Abbey
An evening of French and English music with Richard Lea, Organ. The programme will include choral favourites such as Parry I was glad and Fauré Cantique de Jean Racine.  Tickets £12 unreserved, student discount £5, from www.exephil.org.uk or EPC tickets on 01392 278168 or from Exeter Visitor Information Centre and Tickets, Dix’s Field, 01392 665885.

BBC’s Biggest Weekend Fringe
Sunday, 7pm, Exeter Phoenix
BBC Music Introducing in Devon and Cornwall kicks off the Biggest Weekend Fringe week with South West Rising – featuring live performances from the best new bands in Devon and Cornwall. Acts will perform across three stages, plus there will be DJs on the Café Bar Terrace. Free but booking recommended!  http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

EVENTS

Devon County Show 
Friday & Saturday, Westpoint, Exeter
Devon’s big day out brings together the very best of food, farming and rural life - plus lots of fun - all rolled into one.  For the full programme and to buy tickets visit https://www.devoncountyshow.co.uk 

Spring Woodland Festival
Saturday, 10.30am, Yarner Wood, Dartmoor
Celebrate Dartmoor's wonderful wildlife at the Spring Woodland Festival, located in the beautiful East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve. Meet the people and organisations who care for wildlife on and around the moor. There will be plenty of fun things to do for the budding young naturalist; including wildlife crafts, pond dipping, and storytelling. Throughout the day there will be guided walks led by wildlife experts, whilst for those wishing to relax and enjoy the woodland surroundings, there will be music and a barbeque. 10.30am-4.30pm. www.moorthanmeetstheeye.org

TNT Classic
Sunday, noon, Exeter Corn Exchange 
Test out your fitness and "Find Your Greatness". Competitors registration is at 10.30am. https://www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

EXHIBITIONS

Another Spring
Exeter Phoenix
An exhibition curated by art historian, critic and curator Dr Jean Wainwright. The show brings together work by an outstanding group of internationally recognised artists.   Running alongside the exhibition will be a series of special events including a free tour of the exhibition with curator Dr Jean Wainwright, a talk from artist Steffi Klenz, and a workshop where you can create your own protest posters. The exhibition runs until 17 June 2018. Exeter Phoenix Gallery is open Monday to Saturday between 10am–5.30pm and on Sundays from 12–5.30pm. Entry is free.

Conversations in Colour
Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
An Exhibition showcasing the art of The Budding Friends Art, a group of dementia patients who, along with their carers are using art to “express something beyond language” in a creative and fun environment. This exhibition showcases their work which is supported by Age UK Exeter and Veronica Gosling of  Studio 36. The exhibition runs until Thursday 31 May. Open 10am-4pm Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm Sunday. Free entry.  www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

Braded: Fashion, Femininity and the Right to Vote
Killerton House, Broadclyst
To mark 100 years since some women got the right to vote, this exhibition reflects the timeline of the campaign for women’s suffrage from 1866 until 1928 through the changing styles of fashion. The exhibition highlights the relationship between politics and dress and how this was exploited by the campaigners and supporters of women’s suffrage. Groups involved in the campaign used design and colour to identify themselves and to raise awareness and support for their cause. The exhibition runs until 4 November and entry is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton

Anita Reynolds - A Year on Dartmoor
From Saturday, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Trace
Local  printmaker and artist Anita represents her journeying over 365 square miles of Dartmoor through various prints, painting and installations. Her dynamic artwork often created on-site, reflects the impact of the changing seasons on the wild Devon landscape. The exhibition runs until Sunday 1 July and is pen daily, 10am-5.30pm.  http://www.crafts.org.uk