In 1962, Exeter’s Theatre Royal was demolished and there were no plans to replace it. It was G.V. Northcott who – practically single handed – made sure that Exeter would once again have a theatre of its own.

He persuaded Exeter University to offer a site, and himself donated a small fortune; as a result in 1967 the new theatre was opened. Since then, plays have been performed there by writers as diverse as Shakespeare, Chekov, George Bernard Shaw, Terence Rattigan, Tom Stoppard, Aristophanes and A A Milne. For more information: www.northcott-theatre.co.UK

Exeter’s Other Theatre – a little gem of a black-box auditorium, right in the centre of the city. It’s run as a charity, and has performances by the Exeter Little Theatre Company and other companies, both amateur and professional. Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Road.
Phone: 01392 271808
Email: mail@barnfieldtheatre.org.UK
For more information: www.barnfieldtheatre.org.UK.

Until Exeter university moved to its present campus in the 1950s this elegant period building was its home, but it is now the Phoenix that brings the bricks and mortar to life. Outside, a sweep of stone steps leads to an impressive doorway, and the interior of the building still retains its handsome original features.

A different event or performance is staged practically every day, the range varying from Greek tragedy via Germaine Greer to Japanese manga. There’s a media centre that runs film festivals, there’s an art gallery … but whatever’s on, be prepared for your mind to be thoroughly broadened!
www.Exeterphoenix.org.UK

Originally built as a memorial to Prince Albert, this was an institution that followed his love of cutting-edge development. It had not just a museum, library and art gallery, but also a school of science and school of art, all under one roof.

True to its initial concept, it has moved with the times, and now offers a stimulating environment for its visitors – especially children, who can get really involved with its hands-on exhibits and activities – covering topics that range from fine glassware to fossil sea-urchins via African tribal crown jewels. Queen Street
01392 665858.