Bold, witty and refreshing, Tommy Gillard’s Shuttlecock is a sharp comedy that explores masculinity in the twenty-first century. Opening with a shot of a dripping shuttlecock, the 13-minute award-winning short film unfolds to depict homosocial tensions in a badminton rivalry. Continue reading Review: Shuttlecock
Devon-based writer and director Tommy Gillard discusses the fascinating journey of his award-winning short film Shuttlecock, selected for this year’s BFI London Film Festival. Continue reading Interview: Tommy Gillard, Director of Shuttlecock
Having seen Seafret perform 4 years ago in the basement of a Manchester club, I had high expectations for this gig. Despite the rising fears surrounding COVID-19 after four people in Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital testing positive that morning, there was a decent crowd present for Seafret’s performance at Exeter Phoenix. The atmosphere at the start of the night was somewhat timid with the crowd fairly well spread in the standing area. However, as the night progressed and people got more comfortable, the atmosphere lifted with a few groups dancing and many others singing along. Continue reading Review: Seafret @ Exeter Phoenix
Sunday 15th March – 7:30pm – Exeter Phoenix
Seafret performs at the Exeter Phoenix for the first time this Sunday night as part of their European tour. The British music duo from Bridlington, consisting of singer, Jack Sedman, and guitarist, Harry Draper, met at an open mic night. They both grew up on the coast, so took inspiration from this for much of their music and for their band name. Continue reading Preview: Seafret @ Exeter Phoenix
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
With an eclectic mix of musical theatre tunes from classics to upcoming shows, Exeter University’s Spotlights performed with passion, energy and chemistry on the Exeter Phoenix stage. The company connected with the audience, singing and performing with intensity and incredible ability which were captivating from the first note. With a particular focus on celebrating individuality and inspiring self-confidence and expression, the Spotlights cast and crew created an atmosphere that consistently communicated their message. Continue reading Review: Spotlights:Shine Like The Sun
Spork! is a delightful evening of poetry, comedy, rap and performance, which brings together local artists in celebration of spoken word. Hosted by Chris White, Spork! is full of the weird and wonderful, it’s variety making each show unique, exciting and guaranteed to include something for everyone. On Tuesday 11 February, I was lucky enough to see their ‘Valentine(ish)’ special, in which poetic performances were based (loosely) on theme of love. Continue reading Review: Spork! The Valentine(ish) Edition @ Exeter Phoenix
Entering Exeter Phoenix’s Workshop, we find protagonist Angus (Josh Smith) sprawled on a mattress, surrounded by marks of decay and neglect. In his litter of crushed beer cans, empty wrappers and cigarette packets, it’s easy to see that this is a man who’s not doing well. Yet Angus is much less capable of admitting this to himself. On this journey towards acceptance, writers and directors Constance McCaig and Eva Lily have shaped a compelling narrative that bravely faces drug-culture, mental health, and the difficulties of youth, delving into these complex themes with fierce honesty and intensity.
Continue reading Review: Salmon @ Exeter Phoenix
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
A delightful, magical, and charming rendition of the timeless children’s book to warm every audience member’s heart this festive season.
When I went to see Quirk Theatre’s adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit, I must admit that I was dubious and had a few questions. In particular, how was this cast going to convey and embody the actions and emotions of a stuffed rabbit? However, Quirk Theatre quashed all my doubts and left me yearning to re-read the charming children’s book in order to re-live their heartwarming production of the story. Continue reading Review: Quirk Theatre’s ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ @ Exeter Phoenix
Climate Change Theatre Action is a series of worldwide readings and performances of short climate change plays with the intention of raising awareness through a new platform. The performance promised readings of short plays focusing on climate change by a panel of climate scientists from the Met Office and the University of Exeter, in partnership with Agile Rabbit. Continue reading Review: CLIMATE CHANGE THEATRE ACTION @ Exeter Phoenix
Now in its tenth year, the Exeter Poetry Slam gathers twelve of the best poetic performers from across the South West and whittles them down to one winner after three intense knock-out rounds. I had the pleasure of going to watch it at the Exeter Phoenix, and left feeling a renewed passion for slam poetry, having been a keen fan of the form for years. Nights like this weren’t just designed for Gen-Zers like me, raised on Olivia Gatwood and Button Poetry, however – this was truly an event for everyone, young and old, poetry fans and those new to the art (apart from Tories, who, had any actually been in attendance, would have been slammed to the point of no return, such was the passion of the poets talking about inequality). Continue reading Review: The 10th Annual Exeter Poetry Slam @ Exeter Phoenix
