Big screen and live theatre comes to Exeter’s parks

Published: 4 August 2023

Open-air cinema and theatre comes to the parks of Exeter this summer.

The outside entertainment comes courtesy of Exeter Phoenix, who are supported by the City Council.

Once again, Exeter Phoenix will be returning to Northernhay Gardens to bring four nights of films under the stars.

With something for everyone, this year’s line-up will fly us to the moon, cross the multiverse and bring audiences the time of their lives.

The popular outdoor cinema event Big Screen In The Park takes place this year in Northernhay Gardens, between 9 and 12 August.

With the growing success of the event, which sold out screenings in 2022, al fresco film fans can enjoy a line-up that will treat locals and holidaymakers alike to cult classics, family favourites and new releases over four summer evenings. A unique opportunity to experience the magic of the movies on a huge 10m screen, with the illuminated Cathedral city as a stunning backdrop.

The line-up includes the much-celebrated E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, directed by Hollywood pioneer Steven Spielberg, 80s classic Dirty Dancing, as well as recent cult masterpiece Everything Everywhere All At Once and award winning The Banshees of Inishirin.

Adding to the festival feel, there will be an excellent selection of food and drink including delicious Burritos from the Exeter Phoenix Cafe bar and sweet treats from Candyfloss Kids and Chococo, a fully stocked bar and barista-quality coffee and hot drinks.

Tickets are on sale now from www.bigscreeninthepark.co.uk or by calling Exeter Phoenix’s box office on 01392 667080.

Theatre and live entertainment is also coming to Exeter throughout August.

Theatre in the Park sees a number of live performances in Northernhay Gardens during the summer holidays.

Adding to the festival feel, there will be picnics on offer to pre-order, barista fresh coffee and a well-stocked bar (evening performances in Northernhay only).

The entertainment gets underway at 6pm on Thursday 10 August with Hero & Leander. Audiences will be able to sing, dance and cry in this bittersweet outdoor gig theatre show. Six multi-instrumentalists tell an epic seaside tale through songs encompassing folk, indie, sea shanties and choral music.

Spork! Summer Special comes to Northernhay a day later on Friday 11 August, at 6pm. Phoenix are billing the show as ‘A sun-drenched hour of sumptuous spoken-word, poetry and comedy’. The Summer Special will feature punk poet Jonny Fluffypunk, international poet and writer Muneera, and the fabulously funny, outspoken Bard of Exeter, Jackie Juno. All hosted by the ever summery/sweaty Chris White.

Finally, Out of the Deep Blue, a show of dance, movement and masterful puppeteering, featuring a 13-foot tall puppet, hits Northernhay Gardens on Saturday 12 August, at 11:30am and 2:30pm. Out of the Deep Blue has been designed with children and family audiences in mind.

Tickets on sale now from https://exeterphoenix.org.uk/genre/theatre-in-the-park/ or by calling Exeter Phoenix’s box office on 01392 667080.