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FREE, drop in - 10am till late

On Saturday 5th  May we throw open our doors to the public for a packed day of activities and events.  The Exeter Northcott Theatre Open Day will let people explore behind the scenes, meet the team and take part in lots of FREE hands-on theatre-themed fun.

Arriving on the day, people will be greeted with two exciting interactive family shows taking place on the brand new Piazza outside. Uncle Tacko’s Flea Circus promises tiny feats of daring and astonishment, while The Whale is a giant metal creation which swallows audiences whole, to enjoy a charming, playful and subversive theatre experience.  Not only will audience members get to meet a lovesick sailor who sings them a song, they will also get a little gift before they leave.

On entering the building, literally every nook and cranny of the Exeter Northcott will be hosting fascinating and fun activities, so pick up your programme from the Box Office to ensure you don’t miss a thing. Students from Somerset College will be offering stage make-up demos throughout the day in both the main entrance and the dressing rooms, so why not see what you would look liked aged by 50 years, or what about having a scar, wart or boil applied!

On the main stage throughout the day you can take part in a variety of workshops and activities. Can you solve the Costume Jigsaw by trying to assemble outfits according to their era, or what about learning how to plot lights to a soundtrack, or even creating your own soundscape in our special sound booth?

Our technical team will also be presenting a series of practical demonstrations in the main auditorium at regular intervals, including explosive fun with stage pyrotechnics. This will be followed by a more formal demonstration and Q&A session, The Art of Theatre Unmasked from 6pm. Tony Lidington will be joined by our production staff to explore the art of theatre and the various components that go into producing a show.   

Devon Artist Network will be hosting family-friendly shadow puppet-making workshops and the chance to make a puppet to take home, while Rob Pudner from Entertainingly Different will be presenting family acting workshops, ideal for stars of the future. The Radio Exe team will also be setting up a news desk for people to try their hands at recording breaking stories and news reports.

Expect a whole host of other fun activities and surprises running throughout the day, including a very unusual treasure trail.  The day will finish with a Ceilidh and your chance to come and socialise with the team from Exeter Northcott Theatre.  Hot food and drinks will also be available, with the party running from 8pm till late.

The Exeter Northcott Theatre Open Day: drop in events will run from 10am until 5pm.  Or you can join us at 6pm for The Art of Theatre Unmasked presentation, followed by a Ceilidh, hot food and a party until late.

All parking on campus is FREE on Saturdays. 

Parking is available in Car Park C (next to the Innovation Centre on North Park Road) or the new Car Park D (further down North Park Road, entrance on the left).

Download a programme of events for the open day here