Your guide to What's On this weekend

Your essential guide to what's on in and around Exeter this weekend and the half term break:

THEATRE

Me and My Girl
Friday & Saturday, 7.30pm, Northcott Theatre, Exeter
A sublime treat for musical comedy fans of all ages.
Lambeth costermonger, Bill Snibson, discovers he is the illegitimate heir to Lord Hareford and uses his wit and humour to break down the class divisions with his aristocratic relations.  The fun and games never cease as they attempt to educate cheeky and cheerful Bill into the ways of the gentry and to separate him from his cockney girlfriend Sally. 7.30pm daily, 2.30pm matinee on Saturday. Tickets: £11-£20. www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

There's Somebody at the Door
Friday & Saturday, 8pm,Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
EAT are back with another four plays from and inspired by, Le Theatre du Grand Guignol. The Man Who Saw the Devil – A group of hunters find shelter from a storm at the home of ‘the Man’ who has a dark secret. The Monkey's Paw – A mother & father are granted three wishes with dire consequences. Nuit de Noces – A Count’s quiet night in is interrupted by a newly wed Marquise seeking refuge from her husband. A Dangerous Love – A woman goes to extraordinary lengths in the name of love in this contemporary 10 minute shocker. Tickets £11 (£9 students). www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

Midnight at The Board Head
Friday & Saturday, 8.30pm, Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter
The Boar’s Head in London’s Cheapside was Shakespeare’s favourite pub. Fine Chisel bring it to life and fill it with an array of colourful characters. Some of them you’d expect to find there, propping up the bar. Others we’ve relocated from across the Complete Works. Grab yourself a glass and come join them… Foot-stomping live music, party-popper warfare and folk-fuelled storytelling. Book online www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk

MUSIC

The Westbrook Trio
Friday,8pm, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
The Westbrook Trio is the longest established of all Mike Westbrook’s ensembles. Its mix of composition, song and improvisation has been at the heart of many Westbrook projects. Tickets: £12 (£10Musicians & Students with MU/NUS card). www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

Molotov Jukebox
Friday, 8.30pm, The Exeter Daily Auditorium, Exeter Phoenix
Molotov Jukebox are a six-piece, genre dodging, leviathan of an experience, poised to take the world by storm. Incorporating trumpet, accordion, violin and the sultry tones of lead singer Natalia Tena over the most concrete and inventive rhythm section this side of Jamaica, this is a band born out of love; love of each other, love of music and a love of making whole roomfulls of people dance til they fall over (or fall in love). Tickets: £13. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk 

Live Music
Saturday, various venues, Exeter
The Bishop Blaize, Commercial Road, Exeter: Carnaby  Street, 9pm, free.
The Kings Arms, Exeter: Stillyano, 9pm, free.
The General Buller, Exeter: Railhogs (rock/blues), 9pm, free.
Exeter Live Lounge, Exeter: Stonefox (rock covers), 9.30pm, free.
The Tobacco House, Exeter: Bambas (Greek and international entertainer), 8.30pm, free.
The Prospect Inn, Exeter Quay: Evolver, 9pm, free.
The Sorry Head, Blackboy Road, Exeter: Pyrates (folk/original and covers), 9pm, free.

Baka Beyond
Saturday, 8pm, The Exeter Daily Auditorium, Exeter Phoenix
After 20 years of mixing African and Celtic music in equal measures Baka Beyond has become one of the finest danceable bands around, creating the sound of the global village. Tickets £12, standing. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk 

The Heart of Devon Music Festival
Sunday, 2pm, Bow Village Hall & Field
The Heart of Devon is a free, family friendly festival, which takes place in Bow Village Field on the A3072 between Copplestone and Okehampton with music from 2pm-9pm, over 30 craft, plant and food stalls and a display of Vintage Vehicles. The line-up includes David Harbottle and Freya Jonas, Street Heat Samba Band, India Electric Co (Cole Stacey and Joseph O Keefe), Michael Tinker, Reggae Band (Surface Festival finalist’s) Audio Razor, Sitting Pretty and Eat The Rich.  www.theheartofdevon.co.uk

EVENTS

Devon County Show - CANCELLED
Saturday Westpoint Arena, Exeter
The Devon County Show has been cancelled due to public safety fears. For further information visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk

Children's Picture book Reading
Saturday, 11am, Waterstones, Exeter Roman Gate and Waterstones, Exeter Cathedral
Up for the ride of your life this Saturday? Join Hare, Beaver, Fox, Skunk and Raccoon for a rollicking reading of new picturebook The Big Splash! with local illustrator Jon Lycett-Smith. Also on offer will be readings of another of his books 'Moo! Said Morris', the story of a little Mouse who likes to make lots of noise. Jon will be reading from 11am-1pm at Waterstones, Exeter Roman Gate and then later on at 3-5pm at Waterstones, Exeter Cathedral. Suitable for children age 3-plus.

Hartland Old Books
Saturday & Sunday, 10am, Knightshayes Court, Tiverton
Whether it’s a bit of high literature,or something to keep the kids quiet, check out these second-hand books for sale in the Stables Courtyard, from a local Tiverton based seller. 10am-5pm both days http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knightshayes/

IWA National Trailboat Festival 2014
Saturday, Sunday & Monday, Grand Western Canal Country Park, Tiverton
2014 marks the Canal’s 200th birthday and to celebrate this significant milestone the Canal has been given the honour of hosting of the IWA National Trailboat Festival over the weekend. There is lots going on including the highlight of the weekend, the special Grand Western 200 at Mid Devon's showground near Tiverton on 24 May. Click here for further information. https://www.waterways.org.uk/events_festivals/national_trailboat_festiva...

Scrumpstock Festival
Saturday & Sunday, Bicton College, East Budleigh
Scrumpstock, a festival celebrating cider, scrumpy, ale and music, is coming to Bicton College over the weekend. The festival, previously held in Somerset, promises to deliver food, music, drink and good company. Details and tickets: www.scrumpstock.co.uk

Classic car weekend
Sunday & Monday, Killerton House, Broadclyst
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Killerton's Classic car event. Enjoy this two day celebration with over 200 rare and unusual classic cars. 10am-5pm both days. Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton

Vintage and Classic Vehicle Rally
Sunday, Pecorama, Beer
A wide range of vehicles from the last century on display, with an average of 200 vehicles. www.pecorama.info

Arts on the Move Festival
Sunday, Poltimore House, Exeter
Enjoy a day exploring the rooms and grounds at Poltimore House, whilst experiencing our eclectic mix of arts; from theatre to film, cabaret to comedy, dance to music! Tickets available online in advance. Limited tickets also available on the door. 1pm-8pm. www.poltimore.org

Victorian circus skills
Monday, Knightshayes Court, Tiverton
Roll up, roll up, and join the team at Knightshayes as they host a series of Victorian circus skill workshops this May half-term.
Running from Saturday 24 May through to Sunday 1 June, between 11am and 4pm, the event will give kids of all ages the chance to try their hand at skills like plate spinning, diablo and juggling. Between Monday 26 and Friday 30 May the property will also play host to circus performer, Robin Fox. The cost of the activities, to include a garden trail about famous circus acts, is £3 and normal admission fees apply. Visitors can spend as long as they like doing the activities throughout the day.

EXHIBITIONS

Prints from the Kitchen Table
A la Ronde, Exmouth
Mary Harold, a silk screen printer who lives near Okehampton, is exhibiting her work at A la Ronde from Thursday 22 May to Wednesday 4 June 2014. Admission to the exhibition in the stable and tea-room is free during normal opening times, 10am-4pm.

Elizabeth Jardine
Exeter Phoenix
Elizabeth Jardine is a British artist who has recently relocated to Exeter from the South East. This new body of work explores the interplay of structural and architectural elements within a nebulous and ambiguous painterly landscape.  Her work is on display until Saturday. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

A Splash of Colour
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Clyst House, Winslade Park, Clyst St. Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DS
From the earliest cave paintings we have learned to express our feelings and share our thoughts with each other through colour. Colour photography was first developed during the 1860s but it had to wait until the middle of the 20th century before the general public had easy access. This exhibition brings together a full spectrum of colour images from all aspects of our lives. www.thephotographicangle.co.uk/exhibitions Please check website prior to attendance for latest information as dates may be subject to change. 10am-3pm daily, free.

HALF TERM EVENTS

Around the World Adventure Trail
23 May-2 June, The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
Follow the trail on this interactive holiday hunt to learn about the Donkey Sanctuary’s worldwide work while playing fun games. Solve the number combination to unlock your very own prize to take home! Pick up your entry form at the Visitors' Centre. £3 per entry,  9am-4pm.

Railway Rummage
24-26 May, Devon Railway Centre, Bickleigh, Tiverton
Join Max Trax the railway mad monkey to investigate the railway rummage and solve the clues.www.devonrailwaycentre.co.uk

Donkey grooming
24-26 May, The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
If you’ve got a budding donkey groom in the family, why not take them along for a special hands-on session with one of the donkeys in our events team, and leave with a certificate!
Booking not required. 10.30am-1pm. £3 per person. www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Castle of colours trail
24 May-1 June, Castle Drogo
Come and explore the colourful Castle Drogo garden and grounds, complete the trail and claim your prize. 11am-4pm. £1.50 per trail (including prize).

Bushcraft Week and the Brilliant Things you can do with a Stick!
24 May-1 June, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary
Release the spirit of adventure!  Children can take part in bushcraft skills - fire making, shelter building, campfire cooking, whittling, care and use of tools, arts and crafts and of course toasting marshmallows over the campfire! There is also "the brilliance of sticks" workshop.  Most activities run throughout the day with the exception of shelter building taking place at 11.15am and 2.30pm. Meet at the Greenwood Centre. Shelter building may not be suitable for children aged 5 and under.  10am - 5pm every day. www.escot-devon.co.uk

Caribbean Carnival Week
24 May-1 June, World of Country Life, Exmouth
Caribbean Carnival Week - May half-term week. Feeling hot, hot, hot! Caribbean themed fun is scheduled to take place all week in the special Pirates’ Cove at the World of Country Life.

Half term fun
24 May-1 June, Pecorama, Beer
With daily children’s entertainment featuring undercover shows from wizards, jesters, clowns and jugglers at the Top Spot Stage. Visit the outdoor activity areas, including the PECO Pirate Ship and the fantastic new multi-tiered indoor play area, the ‘PECO Play Station’.   www.pecorama.info

Otter Trail
24 May-1 June, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary
Escot’s cheeky family of otters give visitors hours of  fun. Escot support the conservation and protection of otters in the wild and to raise money for this cause (and to have some fun) they have devised a fun family otter trail for you to match otter facts to the right otter with a prize for all completed clue sheets!   £1 per clue sheet.  Normal entry fee applies to non-members. www.escot-devon.co.uk

Kings and Queens Week
25-30 May, Powderham Castle
Powderham Castle presents an original show called 'Millennium of Monarchs involving puppets and live action. Full of interesting facts about England's Kings and Queens - over a thousand years of history reduced to 45 manic minutes!Themed activities are included in a child’s admission. www.powderham.co.uk

Exeter West Lions Club Fun Day
26 May, Alphington Sports Ground, Exeter
A great day out for all the family with lots to see and do. Help the Lions support local projects and go along between noon and 5.30pm.

Punch and Judy
May 26, Killerton House, Broadclyst, Exeter
Enjoy a fun performance of Punch, Judy and friends in the garden with Professor Radd. Enjoyed by children and adults!  2pm-3pm. Free but normal admission applies. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton

Letter Boxing Challenge
26-30 May, The Miniature Pony Centre, near Moretonhampstead
Letterbox challenge plus magic, juggling and horse shows giving the whole family a chance to be thoroughly entertained every afternoon. Also, there will be many opportunities to meet the adorably cute miniature ponies and their foals, donkeys and other endearing and cuddly baby animals. For more information visit:www.miniatureponycentre.com

Victorian circus skills
26-30 May, Knightshayes Court, Tiverton
Roll up, roll up, and join the team at Knightshayes as they host a series of Victorian circus skill workshops this May half-term. Running from 24 May through to 1 June, between 11am and 4pm, the event will give kids of all ages the chance to try their hand at skills. Between Monday 26 and Friday 30 May the property will also play host to circus performer, Robin Fox. The cost of the activities, to include a garden trail, is £3 and normal admission fees apply.

Children’s craft activities
27 May, A La Ronde, Exmouth
Make some fun items to take home. 11am-4pm. Gates open 10.30am, all tickets £1.50. Normal admission charges apply.

Roary the Racing Car visits Devon's Crealy
27 May, Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park, Exeter
Roary the Racing Car will whizz into the Park ready to delight children as he races across the finishing line with Big Chris to perform his Mini Show. Appearances at 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm.http://www.crealy.co.uk/Devon

Woodland Adventure Club
27-30 May, Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter
Looking for a holiday club with a twist? Try the Woodland Adventure Club packed with fun and excitement in the woods for children aged 6-13.  Learn woodland skills, getting muddy and make new friends. The club runs on 27, 28, 29 and 30 May from 9am-3.30pm.  Click here for further details. Call Hannah on 07929 613284 or email info@atouchofthewild.co.uk to book.

On a Silver Platter
28 May, St Nicholas Priory, Exeter
The title of the activity suggests you can achieve with little effort. Emulating Exeter’s master silversmiths of the 16th century isn’t as easy as it sounds! Engrave, chase and emboss your own dish or plate. Drop in - 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm. www.rammuseum.org.uk/young-ramm

Exploring the Vertues of Herbes
29 May, St Nicholas Priory, Exeter
Learn more about the power of plants. It is the year 1602; meet, observe and help the ‘herb women’ preparing natural remedies in the Tudor kitchen at St Nicholas Priory. They will be preparing infusions, tisanes, poultices and healing salves for the benefit and wellbeing of the Hurst-Clifton household.   May, 11am to 1pm, drop in. Admission charged.

Landscape Layers
29 May, RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter
10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3.30pm. Cost: £2.50. Create a landscape using paint and pieces of neoprene to produce an interesting effect. To book call 01392 265858 or visit www.rammuseum.org.uk/young-ramm

Wildlife Day
29 May, Killerton House, Broadclyst
Get stuck in and discover the wildlife at Killerton, build bird boxes, uncover bugs and mini beasts and find out where they hide. £2 activity charge. 11am-4pm. Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton

Meet the Archaeologist
29 May, A La Ronde, Exmouth
Meet an NT archaeologist and discover how 'finds' are identified and dated. Find out about flint knapping and how our ancestors made tools. Bring along your own finds for  identification. 11am-4pm. Normal admission applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/a-la-ronde

Kids Go Free – Camp Wild Day
30 May 2014, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary
Free entry for all children to Escot. Check out Yurt Village and all that happens at Camp Wild.  There’ll be storytelling by the fire, toasted marshmallows, Camp Wild games, pond-dipping, shelter building, bushcraft fun and a swamp walk! A little taste of a Camp Wild summer - for free!  Further details:  www.escot-devon.co.uk

Family Saturday
31 May, Exeter Phoenix
Storytelling, art drop-in, Jumping Beans, free taster classes and lots more!
Family Sundays have now become Family Saturdays. As part of the change there is a new mix of brilliant workshops and exciting art activities for families to enjoy together. 10.30am-2pm.http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/family-saturday-may/

Jungle Jim visits Devon’s Crealy
31 May, Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Park, Exeter
Join Jungle Jim at Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Park with all his jungle friends - Pee Wee the elephant, Dandelion, Slippy the seal, Rufus the gorilla, Scratch the rat, Pippo the hippo, Camilla the ostrich and lots more. Appearances at 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm. www.crealy.co.uk/Devon