New Season of creative events at Exeter Library
Published: 8 August 2023
Exeter Library has announced their next lineup of special events bringing a magical mix of theatre, live music and family fun to the city.
The season kicks off this month and there is something for everyone, from a summer fun day in celebration of the annual Summer Reading Challenge, to an evening performance from folk trio Hands of the Heron - and their popular Library Lates returns to close the season at the end of November.
Chris White, Senior Supervisor at Exeter Library said: “Our customers have told us how much they enjoy experiencing quality theatre and live music at their local library, and we hope they will love what we’ve got in store for them this season. We’re pleased to be able to keep these events affordable and help people spend a day or evening out with friends and family without breaking the bank. And this is all on top of everything else we have on offer at the library, including free activities, clubs and events all year round.”
“The library is a place for everyone, and we want to make sure that everyone feels welcome here. So come on down and see what’s on at Exeter Library.”
This is what’s going on:
Saturday 26 August, 9am to 5pm
Free event for families – no need to book.
Summer Fun Day – A library takeover to celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge. There will be numerous kids’ activities throughout the building including a bouncy castle, face painter, soft play, sports demos, and games.
Thursday 28, Friday 29, Saturday 30 September, 8pm to 10.30pm (Doors open at 7.30pm)
Pay what you choose: £6 / £10 / £15 – book via Eventbrite*, in person at the library, or over the phone on 01392 407 027. (* there will be a small booking fee if booking via Eventbrite).
The Washing Machine of Destiny is an 80-minute theatre show created by two Devon fellas on the autistic spectrum, Luca Saunders and Philip Robinson. They share their passions for music, technology, mystery adventures, superheroes, and magic, in a bonkers, eclectic mixture of characters and story. Directed by Pippa Marriott, the play aims to communicate the neurodivergent experiences of its creators in an entertaining and enlightening way.
This event is advised for ages 12+.
Friday 6 October, 7.30 to 10.30pm (doors open at 7pm)
Tickets General: £10, Concession (U18, O65, student, disabled): £8 - book via Eventbrite*, in person at the library, or over the phone on 01392 407 027. (*there will be a small booking fee if booking via Eventbrite).
Hands of the Heron is an alt-folk trio from Bristol, UK. Their instantly recognisable vocal harmonies are delivered by three frontwomen - Bec Garthwaite, Bethany M. Roberts and Claire Vine - each of whom brings a signature writing style to the band's mercurial sound. They move effortlessly between sparse choral folk and spellbinding chamber pop, richly layered with an assortment of strings, drones and reeds.
With support from pastoral folk & blues guitarist, Ben Morgan-Brown.
Winner of FATEA’s Instrumental Album of the Year 2021, and Instrumentalist of the Year 2022, Ben's compositions for solo acoustic guitar have been described as “guaranteed to please fans of the English folk guitar” (TradFolk), “serene, mesmerising” (Bright Young Folk), and “as good as minimalist folk gets” (Louder Than War).
Wednesday 25 October, 7.30 to 8.30pm
Tickets £7 - book via Eventbrite*, in person at the library, or over the phone on 01392 407 027. (*there will be a small booking fee if booking via Eventbrite).
Paddleboat Theatre presents - 'Framed'. The legendary detective Rufus Caper has been framed and needs your help to uncover the truth. PaddleBoat Theatre Company presents a thrilling family whodunit. Expect music, puppetry, physical comedy and more. Come and help us catch the clues and spot the suspects before Rufus goes down for a crime he didn’t commit!
A fun family event suitable for children aged over 8.
Friday 3 November, 8pm to 10pm
Tickets General: £10 Concession (U18, O65, student, disabled): £8 - book via Eventbrite*, in person at the library, or over the phone on 01392 407 027. (*there will be a small booking fee if booking via Eventbrite).
Prepare to be bamboozled as you witness the creation of a brand-new musical theatre show, courtesy of This Is Your Musical!
The Bristol Improv Theatre’s flagship company presents a madcap and slightly chaotic evening of theatre, musical numbers, baffling plot lines, and belting show tunes. Completely made-up on the spot and inspired by your stories.
A night of raucous musical fun not to be missed! Suitable for all ages.
“★★★★★”
“The energy of the cast and effortless rhythm of the band is astounding, and not once do they falter. The bewilderment of the actors when the plot goes off-kilter is endearing, and the audience feel very much in on the joke.” - Epigram
Friday 24 November, 8pm to 10pm
Tickets are £6 – book via Eventbrite, in person at the library, or over the phone on 01392 407 027.
Exeter’s popular after hours takeover Library Lates is back again for the Autumn, with a retro sci-fi twist. This event will feature some very adult sci-fi writing, some very silly robot making, cosmic comedy from Locally Sourced, music from Hally Kelly & a feature set from Barcelona street-music trio Kid Hyena. Plus your very own personal poet, sci-fi games, Space Invaders, refreshments from Bar Nova and (as ever) a Silent Disco that’s out of this world. Booking early is advised to avoid disappointment.
This event is suitable for ages 16+.
These events are part of the ‘Get Creating’ season of cultural events rolled out by Libraries Unlimited in Devon and Torbay. Last year the charity secured a £720,369 grant from Arts Council England to boost its thriving programme of music, films, workshops and high-quality community events between 2023 and 2026. The ‘Get Creating!’ series of events encourages local communities to discover their inner artist and have fun. See what’s on at librariesevolve.org.uk/events.
Libraries Unlimited is a registered charity (1170092) responsible for running libraries in Devon and Torbay.