Your guide to What's On this weekend

Your essential guide to What’s On in and around Exeter this weekend (30 November – 2 December):

THEATRE

The Elvis Years
Friday, Exmouth Pavilion
It’s time to get well and truly in the Christmas spirit as smash-hit musical production The Elvis Years brings its very special seasonal twist to theatres across the UK in December 2018. Experience an Elvis-style Christmas like never before in an evening packed with solid-gold Elvis classics, plus all the moments that make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year. https://www.ledleisure.co.uk/exmouth-pavilion

Aspects of Love
Friday & Saturday, Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rarely seen masterpiece “Aspects of Love” is to be staged in an exciting new production by the recently formed theatrical production company EX3 Productions. http://www.manorpavilion.com

David O'Doherty: YOU HAVE TO LAUGH ** SOLD OUT **
Saturday, Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street
Unhook your mindbras. David O’Doherty is back on tour with a brand-new show made up of talking and songs played on a crappy keyboard from 1986. As seen on BBC2’s Live At The Apollo and Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. https://www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

Only Fools and 3 Courses – Christmas Special
Saturday, Exeter Northcott
Join in the Christmas Dinner event of the year, which combines fine food and classic comedy action, served up Only Fools and Horses style.  Marlene and Boycie are hosting a Christmas Dinner, but will things go to plan with Del as one of the Three Wise Men, Rodney Arc Angel Gabriel and Trigger as an ELF! Expect a big fun night our in a friendly party atmosphere with some of the finest comedy actors in the land, and with your enjoyment top of the menu.  CUSHTY! https://exeternorthcott.co.uk

MUSIC

The New Jersey Boys
Friday, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
Following their amazing run of sell-out shows, Devon based The New Jersey Boys make a welcome return to the Barnfield with their packed two-set show which celebrates the unforgettable songs of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and much more.  Last year’s Barnfield programme had the added attraction of a tribute to another great  rock and roll band, Showaddywaddy.  http://www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

Quasi Una Fantasie II: Stephen Beville - Piano Recital
Friday, 7.30pm, St Lukes Chapel. Heavitree Road, Exeter
Internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Stephen Beville continues his exploration of the musical fantasy in this programme of fantasies by Mozart, Chopin, Schumann as well as his own music. SCHUMANN - Fantasiestucke, Op 12;  MOZART - Fantasy in D minor, K 397;  BEVILLE - Prelude, Etude & Fantasy;  CHOPIN - Fantasie- Impromtu in C-sharp minor;  CHOPIN - Fantasie in F minor, Op 49.   Tickets: £11 available from the Exeter Tourist Information Centre (01392 665885) or on the door.

The Leylines
Saturday, Exeter Phoenix
The Leylines are a West-country collective established in 2013, with a genre-defying, eclectic sound that ranges from traditional folk to full blown festival rock. The Leylines are: Dan Thompson (electric guitar); Dave Burbidge (drums); Hannah Johns (violin); Matthew Wilkins (acoustic guitar); Sean Booth (bass); and Steve Mitchell (vocals/guitar). www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

University of Exeter Contemporary Choir's Christmas Concert
Saturday, St Michael and All Angels Church, Dinham Road, Exeter,
Join the University of Exeter Contemporary Choir, the largest choir on campus, for their first ever Christmas Concert! We'll be singing a range of recognisable songs, one or two more traditional tunes, and no Christmas Concert would be complete without a selection of christmas carols, now would it? The music will be followed by refreshments provided by the choir, including mulled wine and mince pies!   https://www.exeterguild.org/ents/event/22834/?fbclid=IwAR1dKj-4uZ3Tkta7P...

One Night of Queen - Gary Mullen and The Works
Saturday, Exmouth Pavilion
In 2000, Gary Mullen won ITV’s “Stars In Their Eyes” Live Grand Final, with the largest number of votes ever received in the shows history.   The record of 864,838 votes was more than twice that of the runner-up. Gary began touring on his own and in 2002 formed a band ‘The Works’, to pay tribute to rock legends Queen.  https://www.ledleisure.co.uk/exmouth-pavilion

Exeter Choral Society - Mendelssohn's Elijah
Saturday, 7.30pm, Southernhay United Reformed Church, Dix's Field, Exeter
Join Exeter Choral Society for a performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah. The 75th anniversary performance is conducted by Laurence Blyth, featuring Julian Rippon as Elijah, with David Davies providing organ accompaniment. Tickets will be available from Exeter Visitor Information and Tickets, Dix's Field, Exeter 01392 665885. www.exeterchoral.co.uk

Cantilena Concert - From Strife to Hope
Saturday, 7.30pm, All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Sidmouth
A concert on the theme of Remembrance. The programme will include reflective readings and music from the Requiems of Herbert Howells and Eleanor Daly. Tickets £8 (children free). Refreshments are included in the ticket price. Tickets are available from 07889 054583 or on the door.

Stan Hacking Christmas Spectacular
Sunday, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
The ever popular Christmas Spectacular Concert returns to the Barnfield this year. The band will be performing a wide variety of music from the classics, film and stage and – of course – a selection of your Christmas favourites. Adults £9, Under 16s £5.  For tickets go to stanhackingconcertband.co.uk or phone 01392 465462

EVENTS

Christmas Lights Switch-On Celebration
Friday, The Lighter Inn, The Quay, Topsham,
Topsham’s Christmas Light's Switch On Party starts at 5pm in St Matthews Hall where you can hear the 'Key Stage 1' School Choir helping to lead the celebration leading a torch lit walk to Topsham's Quay where the lights will be switch-on at 6.15pm.  The 'Key Stage 2' choir will then entertain the public leading the carol singing.  Enjoy free mince pies, Santas Grotto, experience other festive food and drink and purchase a Christmas craft gift. 5pm-9.30pm.

Magdalen Road Christmas Fair
Saturday, 2pm, Magdalen Road, Exeter
Magdalen Road will be closed and the fantastic shops and restaurants of Magdalen Road will spill out onto the street and be joined by 50 stalls from all over the West Country. There will be street-food, drink, live entertainment from bands and singers, fairground rides, presents to buy, music, hot wine and lots of other Christmassy food and much jollity. It is a real community event which attracts thousands of people from all over the City. 2pm-6pm.

Santa Claus Comes to Exeter
Saturday & Sunday, Princesshay, Exeter
New to Princesshay this year, Santa and some of his elves will have their very own Arctic Adventure in Princesshay this weekend.   All the way from the North Pole, Santa’s sleigh will land for family pictures to capture the Christmas magic. There will also be an opportunity for families to make a snow globe Christmas decoration to take home at no cost. For those who want to pass on their Christmas wish list, Santa will be waiting in his wooden cabin where children have the chance to meet him and receive a small gift. This part of the experience will cost £4 and all proceeds go to Princesshay’s charity of the year, FORCE. (cash ony), 10am-4pm.

Etsy Made Local Exeter - Contemporary Christmas Market
Saturday and Sunday, Exeter Phoenix
This is Exeter's first ever Etsy Made Local market which encourages people to look locally for this year’s Christmas gifting and connecting them to more than 40 South West Devon based makers and designers. As well as providing the chance to find unique, affordable and meaningful gifts in the lead up to Christmas, the event will also include live music, and a gift wrapping service with donations to Exeter Foodbank and the Red Box Project. There will also be wreath making and mixed media memento notebook workshops happening at the venue on the Saturday. Open 11am-5pm on Saturday and 11am-3pm on Sunday.

Exeter Christmas Market
Cathedral Green, Exeter
An exciting mix of continental and local, independent traders, showcasing the best of festive food, crafts and gifts. The west front bandstand showcases local bands, carol singers and choirs able to bid for free slots to entertain traders and customers. This year promises to be better than ever with great entertainment on stage, more stalls for local businesses and another drinks outlet where visitors can buy mulled wine, mulled cider and last year’s popular mulled apple gin.  Click here for more information.