What's on at the University of Exeter 2026/27

The University of Exeter offers a vibrant year-round programme of events, from live music, theatre and comedy to inspiring talks, exhibitions, family entertainment and cultural experiences.

Discover what's coming up and plan your next unforgettable night out in Exeter.

August

Saturday 22nd - The Princess Proms

Celebrating the most magical music from stage, screen and beyond, prepare for a show-stopping performance with iconic, heartwarming and nostalgic songs from beloved productions including Frozen, Wicked, Moana, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Anastasia and Pocahontas.

Friday 28th - Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel

For a delightful evening, the all-star Austentatious cast will improvise a hilarious new Jane Austen novel, inspired entirely by a title from the audience. Performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment, it’s a riotous, razor-sharp show where swooning is guaranteed.

September

Thursday 3rd - My Royal Life: An Audience with Lucy Worsley

Beloved historian and bestselling author, step into a glittering royal world with Lucy Worsley. Join Lucy as she takes you behind the scenes and into the history of the royal residences, from Hampton Court’s Haunted Gallery, to the gilded apartments of Kensington Palace. 

Friday 4th - An Evening with Ruby Wax

Don’t miss the incomparable Ruby Wax live on stage for a brilliant, bold and deeply human evening of storytelling, insight and razor-sharp wit. From her trailblazing career as a comedian and TV personality to her work as a bestselling author and mental health campaigner, Ruby shares the moments that shaped her extraordinary life – with humour, heart, and her unmistakable edge.

Wednesday 23rd - John Barrowman: My Life in Musicals

With a career spanning over three decades on stage and screen, John Barrowman is back with his brand new show – My Life In Musicals, a glittering evening celebrating the greatest West End and Broadway musicals.

Friday 25th - Goldie Lookin’ Chain – Stairway To Newport – live in Exeter

Known for their irreverent humour and cult following, Goldie Lookin' Chain bring their 2026 UK tour to the Lemon Grove. This is your chance to catch one of the UK’s most unique live acts in an intimate venue setting.

Saturday 26th and 27th - Big Tattoo Burn-Up

The first event of its kind the city’s ever seen, Big Tattoo Burn-Up is landing at Exeter University. Expect buzzing machines, bold designs, and a seriously good atmosphere. But it’s not just about tattoos as there'll be alternative fashion, gothic jewellery, handmade homeware, taxidermy, live signwriting, face painting, cowboy hats, and plenty more weird and wonderful finds.

October

Saturday 10th - Harry Enfield and No Chums!

From the meteoric rise of Loadsamoney, a Thatcherite Visionary, to the fury of Kevin the Teenager, Harry will reflect on 40 years of arsing about in comedy and bring some of his favourite characters vividly back to life on stage. Don’t miss an unforgettable evening with a brilliantly silly and strikingly insightful comedian.

Sunday 11th - Jeremy Bowen: Truth Under Fire

As the BBC's International Editor, Jeremy has spent over 40 years covering more than 90 countries and 20 wars. From El Salvador in 1989 to the frontlines today, he has interviewed world leaders, documented war crimes, been shot at, and survived to tell the stories. 

Tuesday 13th - The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight at the Great Hall, Exeter

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight brings a powerful fusion of classical music and rock to Exeter. Set against an atmospheric candlelit stage, expect an immersive performance that blends the elegance of classical instrumentation with the raw energy of rock.

Saturday 17th - Sam Campbell: Kid Giblet

Known for his surreal, unpredictable comedy, Sam has quickly built a reputation as one of the most original voices in stand-up today, with multiple TV appearances and a growing cult following.

Wednesday 21st - Chris Williamson Live: Mostly Wise

A dynamic, funny, and refreshingly honest evening exploring the myths that hold us back and practical tools for living better, the show is designed to challenge assumptions and encourage curiosity.

Monday 26th - Michael Palin: In the Philippines

Fresh from his latest television series and companion book, Michael Palin returns to the stage to share the story of one of his most ambitious journeys yet. Warm, witty and endlessly curious, Michael Palin: In the Philippines is an evening that goes far beyond the television series, offering audiences the chance to hear the untold stories behind the journey and reflections from nearly 40 years of travelling the world for television.

Wednesday 28th - Mary Beard: More Secret Histories of Ancient Rome

Renowned historian Mary Beard returns to the stage, stepping once more into the world of Ancient Rome - a civilisation whose stories still shape the way we see ourselves today. In this captivating live event, Mary takes you beyond the well-worn paths of emperors and battles, revealing the rich and complex lives of those often left out of the history books. 

Saturday 31st - Dutty Moonshine Big Band: Second Distillation Tour

Fusing live brass, keys, drums, digital hardware and vocalists, Dutty Moonshine Big Band promise explosive bass music inspired by the big bands of days gone by.

November

Sunday 1st - Tom Davis: Spudgun

Tom Davis is back on the road, firing out his freshly cooked observations on life’s hot topics.

Tuesday 3rd - The Archers Live at 75 at the Great Hall, Exeter

BBC Radio 4’s The Archers celebrates its 75th anniversary with a special live theatrical experience. Step out of the studio and into Ambridge for an evening of live performance, storytelling and behind-the-scenes insight from one of the UK’s most loved radio dramas.

Thursday 5th - Psychadelic Porn Crumpets (Lemon Grove)

A mix of sprawling psych-pop, prog rock and heavy garage riffs, Australia’s Psychedelic Porn Crumpets rose out of Perth’s indie underground in 2014. Debut album High Visceral Part 1 set the bar incredibly high from the off, and their fourth album, 2021’s Shyga! The Sunlight Mound marked the biggest step in their evolution; melding all manner of heart-palpitating sounds into their uncompromising orchestra of noise.

Tuesday 10th - Chris Packham’s World of Wonder: A Planet On The Edge

For nearly forty years Chris Packham has been the voice of nature in the UK. Through his groundbreaking work on The Really Wild Show, Springwatch, Inside Our Autistic Minds and Earth, Chris has devoted his remarkable life to engaging with the natural world - and urging us all to do the same.  

Thursday 12th - Michael Portillo: A Life of Two Halves

Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins takes to the stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life. 

Saturday 14th - Classics Galore!

Exeter's very own Last Night of the Proms... offering an evening of popular classical music.

Saturday 21st - Exeter Philharmonic Choir 180th Anniversary Season: Carl Orff Carmina Burana

A spectacular celebration of choral power and orchestral brilliance, for 180 years, Exeter Philharmonic Choir has brought people together through the shared experience of great choral music. This special season celebrates the Choir's rich heritage while looking ahead to an exciting future, with performances that highlight the power, variety and enduring appeal of the choral tradition.

Wednesday 25th - Fin Taylor: The Pre-emptive Comeback Special at the Great Hall, Exeter

Known for his sharp, unpredictable style, Fin returns to live audiences following the success of his chart-topping podcast Fin vs History and hit online series Fin vs The Internet.

December

Saturday 5th - Troy Hawke: Never Stop, Never Change! at the Great Hall, Exeter

Following last year's sell out world tour, Troy Hawke is back to his globe sweeping in 2026 with new show 'Never Stop, Never Change!'. Angry security guards, barked compliments and crossed wires abound as Troy navigates various conversational minefields, both online and in real life.

Saturday 19th - Step Into Christmas

The feel good Christmas concert spectacular, Step Into Christmas for the most magical show of the year. This Christmas feel-good show brings all the magic of the season to life, with all your favourite songs you will know and love!

January 2027

Sunday 17th - Hamza Yassin: My Life Behind the Lens

Join wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin on a new adventure as he takes to the stage for his first nationwide theatre tour: My Life Behind the Lens. Hamza will share his infectious sense of wonder and most precious memories both in life and in nature.

March

Tuesday 4th - Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life

Sunday 21st - Fisherman’s Friends 2027

Underlining both the enduring appeal of Fisherman’s Friends and their commitment to championing Cornwall’s culture, community and live music scene, the group embark on a new UK tour for 2027.

Thursday 25th - An Audience with Aggers and Tuffers

Aggers, the iconic BBC cricket correspondent and beloved voice of Test Match Special for over 30 years, will charm you with his sharp wit, impeccable anecdotes and his trademark insider's eye on the game we love. Tuffers, former England spin bowler, King of the Jungle, and one of British sport's great characters, will have you in stitches with outrageous tales from his maverick playing days and his second life as one of the nation's favourite media personalities. Together, they'll dissect it all: the highs, the lows, the howlers and the heroes.

April

Friday 2nd - Mo Gilligan: The Mo You Know at the Great Hall, Exeter

Off the back of his acclaimed In The Moment world tour, triple BAFTA winning stand-up sensation Mo Gilligan has announced his brand new world tour, The Mo You Know.

June

Tuesday 8th - Chris Hadfield: Exploring the New Space Age

Join Colonel Chris Hadfield - acclaimed astronaut, commander, spacewalker, and bestselling author - for a gripping journey through the most consequential moment in space exploration history. 

Sunday 13th - Murder Trial Tonight V: Death in the Family

Murder Trial Tonight returns after four previous sold-out seasons with its most gripping case yet. In this immersive courtroom experience, you become part of the jury. Watch and listen as the prosecution and defence present every twist, every argument, and every piece of evidence. Then, it's your turn to decide. Cast your verdict live via QR code and help determine the outcome. But the real question is - did you get it right?