Living in Exeter

Entertainment

You don't need to look hard for quality entertainment in Exeter, with cinema, theatre and music bringing something different to Exeter every night. During the day too, museums and art galleries are a great way to spend a spare afternoon or to show visitors around the cultural side of Exeter. This list is far from exhaustive however, and you should look forward to finding something individual around most corners.

Music
Cinema and theatre
Museums and galleries

Music

In the city centre The Exeter Phoenix draws some big acts and attracts a lot of famous names, but for arena tours the largest names drawn to Exeter’s burgeoning music scene tend to perform at Westpoint Arena. Based slightly outside of town, it’s a taxi ride or take bus 52A or 52B from the bus station (Some events have specific travel provision, check with Westpoint), in recent years it’s seen Kaiser Chiefs, Robbie Williams, and Oasis, among others.

The Cavern is host to many up-and-coming acts, and has acquired a certain respect and gravitas as one of the places that first gave Muse and Coldplay an opportunity to perform. It’s the place in Exeter to get your name known if you want to make it big.

Also, a notable Exeter venue, The Great Hall on the Streatham Campus has seen Blur, Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, Muse, Bloc Party, The Coral, Pendulum, Keane, Manic Street Preachers and even Def Leopard playing here, while The Lemmy (also on campus) often sees more up and coming bands.

Aside from all the options above, if it’s classical music you’re after, The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra play in The Great Hall on the Streatham Campus, and recently, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra played in Exeter Cathedral. There are many of these one off performances by musicians and groups at venues that are not normally used for such a purpose, it’s just part of the charm of the Exeter music scene. Keep an eye on listings as over the course of a year you’re likely to find a few concerts that fit this bill that appeal to you.

On Streatham Campus, there is an Open-Mic night weekly at The Lemmy for anyone who wants to get their own music heard, and The Ram run ‘Ram Jam’, which has an acoustic vibe.

Cinema and theatre

Whether it’s action, romance, fantasy or art-house, Exeter provides for the film-lover. If it’s mainstream you want, Odeon and Vue show all the major new releases. Look out for offers from both during Freshers Week for a bargain or two. If you’re into art-house cinema then the Exeter Picturehouse on Bartholomew Street West shows independent and foreign films, as well as classics. They also show the mainstream, big release blockbusters, and it’s probably the nicest place to watch a film in Exeter.

The Exeter Northcott theatre, based on the Streatham Campus, sees performances from the nation’s top touring companies, and its own productions, as well as individual acts. Popular with students and the general public alike, Exeter Students’ Guild has several drama societies that put on plays and musicals here too.

In the centre of town, on Gandy Street, the impressively fronted Exeter Phoenix is one of the main city locations for music and theatre. It hosts multiple events in a packed schedule over the fortnight of Exeter Summer Festival, and attracts a very varied programme, including evening classes in dance and other arts, throughout the rest of the year. There are many voluntary opportunities for students to get involved behind the scenes. There is also an annual arts festival run specifically by and for under-25s. Art house films are shown every Wednesday in association with Exeter Film Society.

Also in town is The Bike Shed Theatre which is dedicated to producing new writing, productions and innovative work with some of the most talented artists in the South West and beyond. It's a great place for students who are interested in comedy, theatre, music and new writing to get involved and it also hosts the Exeter Fringe Festival.

Other venues include The Barnfield and The Corn Exchange which regularly feature smaller productions and often some of the up-and-coming talent in the country. The Barnfield is noted in particular for fringe theatre, and The Corn Exchange hosts events from the Exeter Summer Festival, and a weekly comedy club.

Museums and galleries

The recently reopened RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum) gives you the chance to see archaeological artefacts, fine art and cultural relics. The multi-million pound refurbishment makes the RAMM one of the most important museums nationally, with some of the most coveted artefacts in the country on display. There is also information on local history and many of the items exhibited, including items from Roman times, are local to Exeter as well.

Exeter Underground Passages date from the 14th century, and are unique in that they are the only such monument open to the public. Both an exhibition and a tour are available, for a discounted price to students, and the extensive passages are a prominent part of interactive Exeter history. Originally built as access to underground water pipes, this subterranean area no longer serves this purpose and tours are held all-day in the summer and for several hours a day at other times of the year.

Exeter's Catacomb was built at great expense in the 19th century, but very few bodies were ever laid to rest there. It remains however, a great example of Egyptian-style architecture and is accessible with a free redcoat tour departing from The Cathedral Yard.

Spacex, a gallery hidden in between terraced buildings between Fore Street and the quay, brings modern art to Exeter. Displays change fairly often so you’ll frequently find something different to entertain. This is the principal space for modern art in Exeter and is an excellent cultural addition to a day out in Exeter. The Exeter Phoenix is also one of the main exhibition venues in Exeter with four separate galleries and an internationally renowned exhibition programme.

Finally, far from being a museum, but worth a look, is the skeleton in the cellar of the Well House Tavern on the Cathedral Green. Reputed to be a plague victim, the skeleton is on display to those who ask nicely.