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Theatre & Performing Arts

If you want to be entertained or enlightened, appreciate art or make your own masterpiece, enjoy live music, take part in an open-mic night, or dance to the region's best DJs, then you will always find something in Exeter to suit your taste.

With such a wide variety of entertainment across the city there is bound to be something different happening in every part of Exeter on almost every night of the week. All you need to do is choose which of the many venues you would like to visit for a really great night out.

At the heart of the city, the historic and beautiful Exeter Cathedral provides a spectacularly atmospheric setting for concerts, exhibitions, workshops and lectures in a rolling programme of inspiring event programming, as well as playing host to charity concerts.

The city has four main theatres and numerous indoor and outdoor areas where performing arts feature within an annual programme of festival and events.

The Exeter Northcott theatre located on Streatham Campus of the University has an annual event programme that will delight and often inspire you to experience something different. With an intimate atmosphere, it provides a chance to get ‘up close and personal’ with many well-known actors visiting with touring production companies.

The Exeter Barnfield Theatre is Exeter's independent community theatre with a regular list of jazz, folk, rock, classical and live music, pantomime, drama and dance events. Now completely run by a charity, it supports local theatre and stage companies, and hosts many school events.

The Cygnet Theatre has its own unique theatre training school programme offering full-time professional training for thirty years, and where graduates have gone on to work successfully for stage, film, TV and radio. Encouraging new writing is one of its specialist features. Cygnet Theatre plays a key role in the region’s arts scene, supporting local artists to present their own work at the venue and introducing over 60 performances in professional venues in Exeter and on summer tours around the area.

The largest indoor venue is the University of Exeter's Great Hall, which offers a wonderful location for classical and contemporary music concerts, including the seasonal visit of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. On the University campus you will also find ‘The Lemmy’ – where DJ sets, rock and pop concerts are regularly featured and where current and up and coming music artists are often promoted.

The Exeter Corn Exchange is the city’s second biggest adaptable space, and offers a programme of all kinds of music, cabaret and other entertainment and trade shows. It also holds a good selection of weekly and monthly group activities to join and is now firmly established as THE place to see the best top-line comedians on the stand-up circuit.

Exeter Phoenix, located next to the city’s museum hosts a varied programme of contemporary and unusual events, including live music and DJ sets, dance, comedy nights, theatre, talks and workshops. Studio 74 is Exeter Phoenix’s solar powered cinema, the only independent cinema in Exeter showing the latest films as well as the best of World Cinema, documentaries and classic titles. Along with the Corn Exchange, you are sure to find great family events at Christmas and during school holidays here.

Based at Emmanuel Hall in Exeter, Theatre Alibi are contemporary storytellers and create exiting and imaginative work for audiences of all ages, performing at venues throughout the city as well as touring nationally. The company integrates a wide variety of art forms into its work and recent productions have featured animation, film, puppetry, photography and music both live and recorded, encouraging young people to discover and enjoy a of theatre. Theatre Alibi is an ‘Arts Award Supporter’ organisation.

Exeter is also well represented in performing arts with a large selection of dance and stage schools, including adding to its list recently, the prestigious Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts. You will often find young people from Stage by Stage, Razzamataz Theatre School or Stagecoach Performing Arts, or The Richard Dale Theatre School appearing in our venues in special productions.

The city is fortunate to have a collection of long established and highly regarded choral choirs, one of which was first established in 1846, plus several symphony and concert orchestras, chamber choirs and children’s orchestras and music groups. A Capella singing is also popular around the city. Watch out for a performance from Exeter University’s own Semi-Toned, winners of the BBC programme The Choir: Gareth's Best in Britain.

You may even be able to hear brass band music from the City of Exeter Railway Band (who regularly perform on the Quayside in the summer) or catch a glimpse of the City of Exeter Pipes and Drums parading down the High Street!

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Number of results: 587

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Ongoing Events

A (little) Christmas Carol

Exeter

Following two previous hit Christmas shows for little ones and their families, The Elves and the Shoemaker and The Jolly Christmas Postman, we are delighted to present this joyful, immersive adaptation of A Christmas Carol, specially created for…

Venue

Exeter Barnfield Theatre, Exeter

Dates

From:
17 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 11:30
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19 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 14:00
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21 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
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24 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
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27 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 15:00
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28 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 15:00
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29 Dec 2026Open 14:00 - 15:00
Blue Vanguard Jazz Club

Exeter

Craig Milverton, Al Swainger & "Coach" York are joined by Flautist, Clarinettist and Saxophonist Amy Roberts. Amy is a multi-award-winning musician from Cornwall.
Over the past 15 years she has been celebrated in the in the annual British Jazz…

Venue

Cygnet Theatre, Exeter

Dates

From:
17 Dec 2026Open 19:00 -
Down for the Count Swing Orchestra: Swing Into Christmas

Exeter University, Exeter

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the 30-piece Down for the Count Swing Orchestra returns with its much-loved annual seasonal treat, "Swing Into Christmas"! Gather your loved ones for a joyful set of festive and non-festive classics as…

Venue

University of Exeter Great Hall, Exeter

Dates

From:
17 Dec 2026Open 19:30 -
GreenMatthews: Gaudete!

Exeter

Following on from GreenMatthews ten years of successful touring Christmas shows, Gaudete! is an expanded lineup playing new and exciting arrangements of Chris and Sophie's popular festive fare. Featuring Emily Baines on early woodwinds and Richard…

Dates

From:
17 Dec 2026Open 19:30 - 21:45
Messiah - Handel

Exeter

This now biennial event has become a hugely popular part of the Music in the Castle tradition. It is also our way of bringing the start of Christmas to you. With the 8 voices of Powderham Consort and Haldon Ensemble, this intimate performance of one…

Venue

Powderham, Exeter

Dates

From:
17 Dec 2026Open 19:00 -
From:
18 Dec 2026Open 19:00 -
The Freddie & Queen Experience

Exmouth

Celebrating Queen's wealth of talent by recreating, with breathtaking accuracy, the style and excitement of a LIVE Queen concert. Something which, sadly, will never be seen with Freddie Mercury again.
Experience the UK's premier Queen and Freddie…

Dates

From:
17 Dec 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00
A Very Dickensian Murder

Honiton

It is 1893 and the Widow Snazbatten doesn’t have a lot of money but she has saved a few pounds from her yearly wage to throw a party for all her friends at her favourite place…. Belcher Towers. She is looking forward to seeing everyone from William…

Dates

From:
18 Dec 2026Open 18:30 -
BSO: Last Night of the Christmas Proms

Exeter University, Exeter

What is Christmas if not a time to reconnect with old friends… so we’re thrilled to be joined once more by the wonderful pianist and singer extraordinaire Joe Stilgoe! Joe will be showcasing his musical talents with a hamper full of Christmas…

Venue

University of Exeter Great Hall, Exeter

Dates

From:
18 Dec 2026Open 19:30 -
Joey The Lips

Exmouth

Renowned 10 piece band Joey The Lips return to Exmouth Pavilion for their annual Christmas show! Expect a full on Joey party with funk, soul, blues, motown, and pure infectious energy that'll keep you dancing all night long!
It's now a huge 32…

Dates

From:
18 Dec 2026Open 20:00 - 23:00
Manchester Calling

Exeter

Performances by tribute acts The Total Stone Roses, The Smiths Presumably and Oaysis.

Dates

From:
18 Dec 2026Open 19:30 -
Candlelight: Christmas Classics

Exeter

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring like never seen before. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Christmas Classics under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Dates

From:
19 Dec 2026Open 19:00 -
Christmas at the Movies by Candlelight

Cathedral Close, Exeter

Join London Concertante as they celebrate the festive season through the magical world of Christmas movies. Immerse yourself in snowy adventures, comical catastrophes, true love and the joy of family relive all of your favourite cinematic moments…

Venue

Exeter Cathedral, Exeter

Dates

From:
19 Dec 2026Open 18:45 -
Christmas Live Music Nights - The Dockneys

Exmouth

Live Music, Unique Venue!
Live music in Exmouth reaches a whole new level with our Live Music Night Boat Trips!
These gigs are perfect for everyone who loves the South West local music scene but wants to mix it up in our totally unique venue…

Venue

Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth

Dates

From:
19 Dec 2026Open 19:30 - 22:30
Comedy Network Starring Lou Sanders, Chloe Petts & Phil Ellis

Exmouth

Come and check out the all-new star-studded comedy night at the Exmouth Pavilion. We have teamed up with Avalon to present the Comedy Network! Where household names meet up and comers, the Comedy Network is all about a night of comedy for everyone.…

Dates

From:
19 Dec 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00
Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight

Cathedral Close, Exeter

Enjoy a spectacular candlelight piano recital including Beethoven's masterpiece The Moonlight Sonata and other outstanding classical and romantic works.

Venue

Exeter Cathedral, Exeter

Dates

From:
19 Dec 2026Open 15:15 -
R2TC x Move - Cally & Juice - Klubfiller - Shocker

Exeter

Raw 2 The Core X Move - Christmas Chaos Saturday 19th December 2026 Move Nightclub, Exeter
Get Ready For One Of The Most Anticipated Hardcore And Hard Dance Events Of The Year As Raw 2 The Core Returns To Move Nightclub, Exeter, For Christmas Chaos…

Dates

From:
19 Dec 2026Open 19:00 -
Step Into Christmas

Exeter University, Exeter

Step Into Christmas for the most magical show of the year. This Christmas concert feel good show, brings all the magic of the season to life, with all you favourite songs, you will know and love! So Step Into Christmas! as we give you something…

Venue

University of Exeter Great Hall, Exeter

Dates

From:
19 Dec 2026Open 19:30 -
The All Seasons Live!

Honiton

Scintillating vocals & incredible harmonies. Bringing to life the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, The All Seasons present a show that will wow fans of the Jersey Boys sound.
Crammed with singalong hits, The All Seasons is a West End…

Dates

From:
19 Dec 2026Open 19:30 -
The Comedy Network

Exmouth

A monthly series of laugh-out-loud comedy nights, featuring the best up-and-coming comedians. Gather your friends, grab a drink from the bar and enjoy some of the hottest comedians on the circuit. See the stars of tomorrow, today!

Dates

From:
19 Dec 2026Open 19:00 -
Christmas by Candlelight - the Orchard Cafe Quartet

Cathedral Close, Exeter

The Orchard Cafe String Quartet is returning to St Martins for a candlelit Christmas concert. The programme will include everything from traditional carols, jazzy favourites, through to music from Christmas films and Mariah Carey.
Please note:…

Venue

Exeter Cathedral, Exeter

Dates

From:
23 Dec 2026Open 19:30 -
The Pantomime Adventures Of Robin Hood

Exmouth

Join us this Christmas for a magical adventure in Sherwood Forest as Stuart Earp returns for his 12th year, donning the famous green tights as the legendary Robin Hood.
Follow Robin Hood and his merry men, Friar Tuck and Will Scarlett, as they take…

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From:
23 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 16:30
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24 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 16:30
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25 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 16:30
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26 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 16:30
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28 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 16:30
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30 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 16:30
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31 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 16:30
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1 Jan 2027Open 11:00 - 16:30
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2 Jan 2027Open 11:00 - 16:30

Ratings & Reviews

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Theatre & Performing Arts

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