Exeter Lives: Patrick Cunningham

In view of The Exeter Daily's recent partnership with the Exeter Phoenix, as sponsor of the main auditorium now renamed theexeterdaily.co.uk Auditorium, we asked the popular arts centre's director Patrick Cunningham what he loves about living and working in Exeter. 

Patrick has been responsible for artistic and chief executive direction at Exeter Phoenix since 2003. With a long history of music promotion in the South West, including the co-founding of the famous Cavern Club in Exeter and the publishing of What's On South West events magazine, Patrick also programmes live performance at Exeter Phoenix, from music, to comedy and theatre.

Name: Patrick Cunningham 

And what do you do? Director of Exeter Phoenix

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Committed / energetic / hard-working / inquisitive / questioning

How would you describe Exeter in 5 words?

Easy-going / cosmopolitan / friendly / potential / attractive

What brought you to Exeter?

A place at the University

Which part of Exeter is home?

The Friars

What is your favourite place in Exeter?

The West Quarter

What is your favourite Exeter event?

The Acoustica Festival

What was the last live performance you saw in Exeter and where did you see it?

A performance piece called Landscape II by Melanie Wilson at Exeter Phoenix on Tuesday night

Favourite place to eat out in or near Exeter?

The Elizabethan inn at Luton

Best coffee in town?

Exeter Phoenix!

Favourite pub?

The Fat Pig

Favourite locally produced food or drink?

Otter beer

Favourite shop?

Hospiscare Books & Music in South Street

Favourite shopping area?

Fore Street

Exeter Chiefs or Exeter City?

ECFC

Beach or moors?

Moors

What or where is Exeter's best kept secret?

Rougemont Gardens

What one change would you like to see in Exeter?

Fully pedestrianise the High Street

Who is your local hero or heroine?

Eleanor Coade

Do you belong to any local clubs or societies?

ECFC Supporters' Trust

What are you up to next?

Going home!

If you have some top recommendations for who you would like to answer our Exeter Lives feature or indeed if you would like to take part yourself, please email ted@thedailyuk.com