Your guide to What's On this weekend

Your guide to what’s on in and around Exeter this weekend (21-23 August).

THEATRE

Playback Youth Theatre: Ghost Train - An Original Musical
Friday, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
Shady passengers use the near-abandoned train service to Berney Arms at four in the morning. What are they up to? Why is the train still running? And why are there signs of life at the old abandoned fairground? With a cast of talented young performers, a live band and an original, spooky story, Ghost Train promises to be a treat for all the family! Shows at 4pm and 7.30pm. Tickets £6 (Concs £4). For tickets, please contact Jez on 01363 773337 or E-mail info@playbackyouththeatre.org 

Comedy at the Park
Friday, 7.30pm, Sandy Park, Exeter
With Junior Simpson, John Newton, Shelby Bond and compere Joe Bor. Tickets £10 and £15. https://ticketing.exeterchiefs.co.uk/

The Mating Game by Robin Hawdon
Friday & Saturday, Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth
Weekly rep continues in Sidmouth. The Mating Game is a sparkling and hilarious comedy that has played around the world since its hit premiere in London. Set in a smart ultra-modern Mayfair apartment full of automated furniture and gadgets with minds of their own, the story centres on a celebrity television personality with a reputation as a great stud, but whose romantic interludes are in reality always interrupted by accidents, fate or his own incompetence.  Tickets:  Adults £15 and £14, under 16s £8.  www.manorpavilion.com

Circus of Horrors - Freaks and Feathers
Saturday, 8pm, Exmouth Pavilion
The Circus of Horrors. the show that stormed into the finals of Britain's Got Talent returns with a specially designed cabaret styled show, entitled Freaks & Feathers.  Led by Circus of Horrors undead Ringmaster Doktor Haze with Captain Dan, the demon dwarf, The Mongolian Laughing Boy - Human Pincushion, & the Sword Swallowing of Hannibal Helmurto. www.ledleisure.co.uk/exmouth-pavilion

Jimmy Carr - Funny Business
Saturday, 8pm, Riverside Leisure Centre, Exeter
Jimmy's been described as 'the hardest working man in comedy'  which, let's face facts, is not that impressive. It's like being the 'Tallest Dwarf' or the 'Healthiest Glaswegian'. Really not that big a deal. 'Funny Business' is Jimmy's brand new stand up show. Come for the witty and incisive musings on the human condition; stay for the knob gags. Tickets £25.  http://www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange/

MUSIC

Supersonic 70s
Friday, 8pm, Exmouth Pavilion
With a set list boasting an impressive range to suit all ages and the emphasis on great 'hit' songs from this golden era of music, the SuperSonic 70s Show show will take you down memory lane with some of the biggest classic hits from the 70s, many that most bands would not dare to attempt! www.ledleisure.co.uk/exmouth-pavilion

Live Music
Friday, various venues, Exeter
Venezia, Exeter Quay: Academy of Music & Sound, 9pm, free.
John Gandys, Gandy Street: Fab Beatles, 9pm, free.

Beautiful Days
Friday & Saturday, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary
Beautiful Days is the Levellers' family music festival which takes place at Escot Park in Devon with six stages, site art, a huge children’s area, comedy, theatre, family camping, licensed real ale bars from Otter Brewery and a great choice of food and craft stalls. For full details of the location and terms and conditions of the festival visit www.beautifuldays.org and www.facebook.com/beautifuldaysfestival

Live Music
Saturday, various venues, Exeter
Bishop Blaize, Commercial Road: Kiss This! 9.30pm, free.
The Duke of York, Sidwell Street: The Bail Jumpers, 9pm, free.
The Bowling Green, Blackboy Road: The BobKatZ, 9.30pm, free.
The Sorry Head, Blackboy Road: BlimeyOhRiley, 9pm, free.
Prospect Inn, Exeter Quay: ReD, 9pm, free.

Soupstock
Sunday, noon, Knightshayes Court, Tiverton
Knightshayes is hosting its third annual celebration of local food and music in the parkland on every Sunday during August. This weekend’s tribute act is Wham!  Gates will open as usual from 10am, with live music on the Stables lawn from noon.  There will be a barbecue serving locally sourced burgers and hot dogs; and visitors can also sample the delights of the walled garden with some home-made soup.

Live Music
Sunday, various venues
The Famous Old Barrel, Exmouth: Jas Walker, 8.30pm, free.
The Strand, Exmouth: Tina Shiraz, 4pm, free.
First & Last Inn, Exmouth: The Barefoot Bandit, 6pm, free.
Sidbury Village Inn, Sidbury: Paul Gibson, 8.30pm, free.

EVENTS

Coffee Morning
Saturday, 10am, Church Hall, Main Road, Pinhoe, Exeter
Support Pinhoe Rainbows, Brownies and Guides at their coffee morning on Saturday 22 August between 10am and noon.  Refreshments, cakes books and draw.

Dawlish Air Show
Friday & Saturday, Dawlish Seafront
Each year Dawlish Air Show  attracts tens of thousands of people to watch an array of aircraft take to the sky at this award winning air show. The main flying display will take place on Saturday with a family fun day on the "ground" on Friday. As well as the thrilling air displays on Saturday this event also offers events and attractions on the ground and family fun on the Lawn in Dawlish including sideshows, stalls, and ground displays offering something for everyone.  Full details and flying programme can be found here: http://dawlishairshow.co.uk/newindex/

Exmouth RNLI Open Day
Saturday, 10am, Exmouth Lifeboat Station
Exmouth RNLI’s open day runs from 10am-4pm - take a look around and meet the crew and fundraisers. The RNLI Shannon  class lifeboat R and J Welburn will be launched at approximately 3.15pm to take part in Dawlish Air Show (subject to operational requirements). More details: https://www.facebook.com/ExmouthRNLI

Horse Racing
Saturday, Newton Abbot Racecourse
Join Newton Abbot Racecourse for the biggest fixture of the racing season. With over £120,000 worth of prize money on offer and the listed Class 1 Lord Mildmay Memorial Handicap Chase, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the end of the summer holiday season. Racing starts at 1.55pm, gate open at 11.15am. Last race is 5.25pm. www.newtonabbotracing.com.

Dolls House & Miniatures Fair
Sunday, Westpoint Arena, Exeter
Experience the exquisite world of Dolls House Miniatures at this public fair where you will find exhibits, displays and demonstrations by some of the leading craftspeople in this field. A range of stands will be exhibiting everything from charming miniature figures and delightful dolls houses to every imaginable accessory and items of furniture. Whether a keen miniaturist collector or enthusiast, or someone just wanting to visit for casual interest, you can be assured of a warm welcome. http://westpointexeter.co.uk/

Pirates and Mermaids Weekend
Sunday, Powderham Castle, Kenton
The Pocketwatch crew and Captain Jack bring the summer themes to a close with another visit. They may be joined by a mystical sea nymph from the ocean but she can’t stay on land for long. This is your opportunity to ask a mermaid a question – you may find out some surprising things! http://www.powderham.co.uk/

EXHIBITIONS

My Country
Clyst House, Winslade Park, Clyst St. Mary, Exeter
Our My Country exhibition illustrates how photographers across the world view their own country. For many it was an opportunity to present their country in a positive light; they have shared their favourite landscapes, local wildlife or bustling street scenes. Amongst the images, there are some political and social messages for us, from Britain and around the world. Collectively, they encourage us to consider how each of us might improve life for everyone in our own country. Open 10am – 3pm daily until 23 August. Free admission.

Social Fabric: African Textiles Today
RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter
An exploration of the history, manufacture and social significance of African printed and factory-woven textiles. The designs mirror the convergence of African tastes and patronage with strong historical and contemporary trading ties from across the globe. These textiles have also influenced some of the region’s foremost contemporary artists and photographers.

Celebrate: Summer Craft Exhibition
Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey
Celebrating 60 years of supporting South West makers the Devon Guild’s annual summer exhibition articulates notions of festivity and reflection that such milestones bring. This exhibition allows Members to showcase a real diversity of new craftwork. Along with storyboards, road signs and a new App, themes of heritage are combined with with new trends in making. Look out for free craft demos and drop ins at weekends through the summer. Open daily 10am-5pm. The exhibition runs until 6 September. www.crafts.org.uk