Your guide to What's On this weekend

Your essential guide to What’s On in and around Exeter this weekend (27-29 November 2015).

THEATRE

Plunge
Friday & Saturday, Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter
"That's why they call it Café Nero, you know. Because you sit and fiddle with your iPad while the world outside burns." For over 500 years the smell of coffee has seeped into our streets, our lives, our society. Hub for gossip, romance, political tub thumping, dodgy deals, completing a new pitch, book clubs, a moment alone, escaping being alone - if walls could talk. And in one coffee shop in a town just over the horizon, those walls can talk, time escapes us and those that visit the coffee house, dream in the coffee house, plot and scheme in the coffee house all vie for our attention in a beautifully nuanced, funny and poignant new play about the dark stuff.  Tickets: £10/ £8. https://www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/plunge/

The Snow Queen
Friday & Saturday, Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth
Join Ballet Theatre UK in their beautiful re telling of Hans Christian Anderson's classic fairy tale ballet, The Snow Queen, the iconic tale that inspired the smash hit movie Frozen. Tickets £16, £10 under 16s. http://www.manorpavilion.com/

Exeter Comedy Club 
Friday, 8.30pm, Exeter Corn Exchange
Another top show from Exeter's longest running and best comedy club. Tonight's acts include Ivo Graham and Pat Cahill (call for full line up).  Tickets: £13. www.exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange

The Odyssey: Missing Presumed Dead
Friday & Saturday, Northcott Theatre, Exeter
A high ranking government minister with a colourful past is sent on a delicate diplomatic mission to Istanbul.  But when his trip ends up in a horrific bar room brawl, social media explodes and the enigmatic darling of a political party becomes Europe’s most wanted man overnight.  Chased by the authorities, damned by religious leaders, pursued by those looking for vengeance and head-hunted by fanatics, his Odyssey begins. Tickets £14.50-£24.  https://exeternorthcott.co.uk/

MUSIC

Live Music
Friday,  various venues, Exeter
Prospect Inn, Exeter Quay: Eventine, 9pm, free.
John Gandys, Gandy Street: Mammoth, 9pm, free.
The Sorry Head, Blackboy Road: The Perfect Strangers, 10pm, free.

Isca Ensemble Concert in aid of Hospiscare
Saturday, 7.30pm, Sidmouth Parish Church, Church Lane, Sidmouth
Emmanuel Bach (violin). Tchaikovsky : Violin Concerto in D major; Beethoven : Symphony No 3 'Eroica'. Emmanuel’s playing has won him a number of prestigious awards and competitions. The full Ensemble comprises of over 55 experienced amateur and some former professional players drawn from the South West of England.  http://www.iscaensemble.org.uk/other-forthcoming-concerts/

D&C Police Pipe Band at Hospiscare Christmas Fair and Exeter Cathedral
Saturday, from 11am, Exeter Guildhall & Exeter Cathedral
Devon and Cornwall Police Pipes and Drums will be performing for Hospiscare's Christmas Fair at Exeter Guildhall from 11am and then outside Exeter Cathedral between 1.30pm and 1.40pm.   www.dcppipeband.co.uk

3 Daft Monkeys
Saturday, 8pm, Exeter Phoenix
Cornish gypsy-folk band 3 Daft Monkeys’ 4-piece line-up features Athene on fiddle, Tim on 12-string guitar & vocals, Lukas on bass guitar and Richie on percussion, adding a fuller and richer sound. The band weave world music influences around classic folk melodies and their passion, intensity and sheer joy of life mixed with their infectious dancing rhythms will leave you breathless, enthralled and exhilarated. Tickets £13.  www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Steve Pledger in Concert
Saturday, 8pm, Hope Hall, Hope Road, Wonford, Exeter
Steve Pledger has an enviable reputation as a talented and dynamic performer. BBC Introducing have called his music "beautiful, authentic, unblemished and wonderful”. With writing that ranges from fragile reflections on love and loss to blistering commentaries on present circumstances, his songs pack an emotional punch, both on record and on stage. His musical influences are many and varied and include Graham Parker, Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam, Martyn Joseph, Van Morrison, Ryan Adams, Don McLean, Springsteen and others. Tickets £8, available by calling 07913 543124 or emailing sstwigg@blueyonder.co.uk Soft drinks, tea and coffee available. BYO alcohol. No wheelchair access.

Beacon Fire
Saturday,8pm, The Clifford Room, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
Beacon Fire is a 4 piece originals band from Devon that draws its influences from the giants of classic progressive rock, infused with some folk and modern twists. Expect powerful, delicate and melodic music with a great live show that's not to be missed. Beacon Fire will be performing tracks from their latest EP release and debuting some new material from their upcoming album. www.beaconfiremusic.co.uk or www.facebook.com/beaconfiremusic

Live Music
Saturday, various venues, Exeter
The Bishop Blaize, Commercial Road: The Shrine, 9pm, free.
The King’s Arms, Cowick Street: K2, 9pm, free.
Prospect Inn, Exeter Quay: The Risk, 9pm, free.
The Bowling Green Blackboy Road: Kiss this! 9.30pm, free.
Mount Radford, St Leonard’s: Extractor, 9pm, free.

The High Kings
Sunday, 8pm, Exeter Phoenix
The High Kings showcase  their incredible  versatility and  skills as  multi-instrumentalists, playing 13 instruments between the four of them, bringing a rousing acoustic flavour to brand new songs as well as some old favourites. Tickets £18.50. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Live Music
Sunday, various venues
The Bishop Blaize, Commercial Road: The Hot House Four, 6pm, free.
The Famous Old Barrel, Exmouth: Harry Dearsley & Gemma Lane, 8.30pm, free.
The Strand, Exmouth: ReD, 4pm, free.
The Beach, Exmouth: Honest John & Ray Beavis, 89pm, free.
The Bank, Exmouth: Upside Down, 3pm, free.
First & Last Inn, Exmouth: The Usual Suspects, 6.30pm, free.
Sidbury Village Hall: Ian Kenna, 8.30pm, free.

EVENTS

Hospiscare Christmas Fair
Saturday, 10.30am, Exeter Guildhall, High Street, Exeter
Lots of stalls selling gifts, cakes preserves, crafts, bric-a-brac and much more, 10.30am-3.30pm. Refreshments available including tea, coffee, home-made soup, pasties. Tombola and draw.

Mini Avocet cruises on the Exe Estuary
Saturday, 2pm, Exe Estuary
Join friendly RSPB guides onboard the Sea Dream for 1.5 hours (approx) to experience this fantastic spectacle of nature on one of the world's great wetlands. Booking essential: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rspb-avocet-cruises-topsham-registration-...

Christmas at Killerton: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Daily, Killerton, Broadclyst, near Exeter, EX5 3LE
The magical world of Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is brought to life at Killerton. You can see the house transformed into scenes from the classic fairy-tale. Nestled inside, don’t miss meeting a traditional Victorian Father Christmas. Wrapping up warm to follow the outdoor family trail, take part in activities and see if you can spot the willow reindeer under thousands of twinkling lights.The estate stays open until 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays in December so you can fall in love with Killerton at dusk.  Normal admission fees apply.  http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton/features/narnia-brings-a-festi...

Chistmas Tree Festival
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Ottery St Mary Parish Church
You’ll be bowled over by the artistic talent of local organisations and shops with over 47 Christmas trees decorated around the church. Open daily 11am-5pm. Morning coffee, light lunches, afternoon teas available Friday & Saturday.

Christmas Craft Market
Saturday & Sunday, Custom House, Exeter Quay
Do your Christmas shopping in the warm this year - inside Exeter's historic Custom House. More than 50 tables of lovely arts, crafts and gifts by local makers! You’ll find artists, printmakers, woodworkers, spinners & weavers, jewellers, soap & candle makers, hand made cards and clothes, textile artists, bookstalls, fabric & home crafts, mosaic gifts, Devon oils & chutney, Devon Fudge, face painting and much more ... 10am-5pm.

Unique Boutique
Saturday, 10am, Exeter Phoenix
Exeter’s well established alternative Christmas market is back. Exeter Phoenix will be bursting at the seams with artists and crafters selling their wares. From quirky little stocking fillers to unique, hand crafted jewellery, homewares, ceramics and screen prints to make you chuckle, there is something for everyone at Unique Boutique. If someone needs to mind the shopping bags the Café Bar will be serving up seasonal treats, and as always, Exeter Phoenix will be full of festive cheer. 10am-5pm. Free entry. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter Christmas Fair
Saturday, 11am, RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter, Black Hat Lane, Bakers Hill, Exeter EX2 9TA
Visit the animals and buy your Christmas gifts at RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter with stalls, crafts and festive refreshments!  11am-3pm. Donation on entry.

RSPB family friendly nature walk
Saturday, 2pm, RSPB Shop, Darts Farm, Topsham
The staff from the RSPB Shop at Darts Farm, Topsham are offering free family friendly walks that showcase the beautiful surrounding farmland and wetlands - a great chance to get out and see some wildlife. Binoculars can be hired. Walks start at 2pm every Saturday from The RSPB Shop, Darts Farm.  https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/events/details....

Christmas Fair
Sunday, 10am, The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
The Donkey Sanctuary’s annual Christmas Fair and Santa’s Grotto from 10am-4pm. Kick-start your Christmas shopping, or simply treat yourself at this festive event! Whilst it is free to visit The Donkey Sanctuary all year round, entrance to the indoor craft fair is £2 per adult, and free to children under the age of 12.

Big Fish Little Fish - Christmas Themed Family Rave
Sunday, 1.30pm, Exeter Phoenix
DJs Cakeboy (Rocstar Recordings) plus resident Little My play (grown up) dance music on the multi-sensory dancefloor with glitter cannons, bubbles and giant parachute dance. Craft tables with giant 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, glowsticks and Happy Monkeys smoothies at the end. Cafe Bar serving savoury and sweet treats for ravers young and old... and lots more!   Theme: Jingle Bell Ball - Christmas (what else) – fancy dress encouraged.  https://billetto.co.uk/en/events/big-fish-little-fish-jingle-bell-ball-f...

EXHIBITIONS

Our Lives, Our Community, Our Voice - Photography Exhibition
Exeter Picturehouse, Bartholomew Street West, Exeter
This diverse exhibition is part of the Our Lives, Our Community, Our Voice project which was a two-year community project in Exeter and used photography as a means of engagement and empowerment.  The project was managed by the Olive Tree Association/Devon Grapevine in partnership with Meridian Raw and has been funded by the People’s Health Trust. The exhibition features over 40 images, all captured by the participants working on the project.  The exhibition runs until 8 December. www.meridianraw.com

Home Front Fashions
RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter
The First World War was a time of momentous change for individual people, families and society, when thrift and economy in dress became increasingly important on the home front. Woollen serge and silk taffeta in dark or neutral colours were frequently worn as the availability of fabrics and dyestuffs was restricted. Practical, hard-wearing suits or ‘costumes’, and washable shirt-waister blouses became a kind of everyday uniform for women in Britain during the war. This display is part of RAMM’s four-year programme of exhibitions, displays, events and activities that focuses on the First World War’s impact on the people and landscape of the Southwest.  See the display until 8 May. www.rammuseum.org.uk

Present Makers 2015
Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell Street, Honiton
This vibrant selling exhibition explores the skill and innovation of craft makers across the South West. Selected from an open call, Present Makers 2015 gives both iconic and emerging designer makers the opportunity to showcase their broad ranging skills and artistic vision. You’ll find unique examples of textiles, jewellery, ceramics, glass and lighting. Gallery open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm and this exhibition runs until 19 December. www.thelmahulbert.co.uk