Your guide to What's On this weekend

Your guide to What’s On in and around Exeter this weekend (1-3 February):

THEATRE

The Little Mermaid – The Panto

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter 

Exeter Police and Hospital Players present the story of a young mermaid, Ariel, and how she falls for the dashing Prince Marvellous. Ariel lives with her parents, brother and sisters near Torquay, and after seeing the Prince on board his ship on a trip to Brixham, she falls for him and he for her.  Standing in the way of true love and happiness is the evil Sea Witch who, seeing Ariel’s plight, offers to exchange her voice for some legs in order to become human …. but only for 2 days!  In a race against time, will the Sea Witch meet her come-uppance and will true love conquer evil? You will just have to come along and find out while having a great evening filled with laughter, song and dance, while helping raising money for Hospiscare.   https://www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk 

The Yeomen of the Guard

Friday & Saturday, Exeter Northcott

Exeter University’s Gilbert and Sullivan Society present The Yeomen of the Guard. Set in the legendary Tower of London, The Yeomen of the Guard is a darker twist on the standard Gilbert and Sullivan comedy. A comedy full of conspiracies, beheading, torturers, shots being fired in the dead of night, and plenty of dad jokes! https://exeternorthcott.co.uk 

Lights! Planets! People!

Sunday, Exeter Phoenix 

Molly Naylor’s new play is an insightful, moving, funny and inspirational take on the interconnected worlds of women, science and space travel featuring Karen Hill. https://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

MUSIC

Martin Kemp: Back to the 80s DJ Set 

Friday, Exeter Phoenix 

Martin Kemp Back To The 80s DJ set is the hottest and most in demand 80s night in the UK! Currently selling out every venue the event goes to in record time. The 80s icon and UK national treasure will be taking to the decks in Exeter and spinning all the best hits from the 80s.  https://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Barry Steele - The Roy Orbison Story

Friday, Exeter Corn Exchange

He’s the man with the sunglasses and the black suit who delivered some of the world’s darkest and most emotional ballads, yet Texas-born Roy Orbison remains one of the most distinctive looking and sounding performers in modern music. The one and only Barry Steele takes on the role in The Roy Orbison Story. He comes with great credentials and a genuine admiration for the Big O.  www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

The Simmertones

Saturday, Exeter Phoenix 

Over the past decade The Simmertones have established themselves as one of the UK’s leading authentic ska and reggae bands. These nine South West musicians regularly get packed venues and festivals jumping with their exciting and infectious live sound. https://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Women in Rock

Saturday, Exmouth Pavilion 

The UK’s only live show dedicated to the World’s greatest female rock legends.  With up to 4 of the most powerful female singers on the live music scene, together with a professional touring band, Women In Rock deliver a show stopping performance covering all the great legend’s through the ages. Not just a tribute, but a celebration to all females that rock.  The show takes you on a  journey with flawless harmonies and vocals that will leave you cheering for more. With all the greats including Janis Joplin, Cher, Bonnie Tyler, Heart, Kiki Dee, Pink, Suzi Quatro, Pat Benetar, Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks and many, many more. https://www.ledleisure.co.uk/exmouth-pavilion 

EVENTS

Rummage Sale

Saturday, 10am, Trefoil Lodge, Buddle Lane, St Thomas, Exeter

Lots of items for sale including books, jigsaws, toys, games, nearly new, knick-knacks and craft items. Any reasonable offer accepted, this event is raising funds for the Trefoil Lodge refurbishment appeal. 10am-1pm, refreshments including bacon and sausage baps will be available.   

Big Fish Little Fish

Sunday, Exeter Phoenix 

The theme for this family rave  is ‘Dream A Little Dream’ – yes, it’s a PYJAMA PARTY! Featuring headliner 2 Bad Mice, plus residents Little My & High Eight play (grown up) dance music on the multi-sensory dancefloor with glitter cannons, bubbles, balloons and giant parachute dance. Craft tables and giant colouring mural, themed crafts and playdoh table. Play area with tents and tunnels and baby chillout space with mats and small ballpool. Licensed bar, free transfer tattoos and glowsticks and lots more!  https://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Historical Medical Instruments display

Sunday, St Nicholas Priory, The Mint, Off Fore Street, Exeter,

Find out about medical instruments from history, with Professor David Radstone. See a fascinating display of historical medical instruments from the Devon and Exeter Medical Society collection. Professor Radstone will be on hand to explain what they were used for, but you might want to try and guess first! 1pm-4pm.  https://www.nicholaspriory.com

RSPB Avocet Cruise

Saturday & Sunday, Trout's Boatyard, Topsham, Devon, EX3 0JJ

The RSPB birdwatching cruises along the Exe Estuary are renowned for the variety of birds you’ll be able to get close-up views of. Cruises on Saturday at 11am and Sunday at noon. Full details here. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rspb-winter-avocet-cruisestopsham-2018201...

EXHIBITIONS

South West Academy Exhibition

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Elmfield House, Dowell Street, Honiton

An exhibition of work by members of the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts. South West Academy Academicians and Associate Academicians join together for the annual South West Academy Exhibition at THG.  Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm. Free entry.  The exhibition runs until 9 February. www.thelmahulbert.com

George Shaw: My Back to Nature

From Sunday, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Queen Street

This series of new paintings and drawings was created by Turner Prize nominee George Shaw whilst in residence at the National Gallery as the Rootstein Hopkins Associate Artist. George had unrestricted access to explore the collection when the gallery was closed. Inspired by woodland scenes in the collection, these new works resonate with the artist’s experience of walking in the forest near his hometown as a teenager, with the feeling that ‘something out of the ordinary’ could happen at any time there, away from the supervision of adults. The exhibition runs until 8 April. https://www.rammuseum.org.uk