Curtain Up: The Exeter Northcott Reopens
Jo Leyland unveils Exeter Northcott Theatre’s plans to reopen and what you can do to support your local theatre.
The Exeter Northcott has woken up from its hibernation to announce two new socially distanced theatre events, ‘UNLOCKtoberfest’, and their long-awaited Christmas show, ‘Treasure Island’.
The theatre has had an unusual year, from being named the ‘Arts Organisation of the Year’ by Exeter Living Awards, to being plunged into lockdown just four days later. However, this is a challenge The Northcott and its Executive Director Daniel Buckroyd have risen to admirably. They remained active via social media through promoting livestreams such as National Theatre At Home and The Globe’s screenings, and their ‘I ♡ Exeter Northcott’ videos showcasing what people love about the theatre.
The theatre also created ‘The Time is Now Commissions’, projects created by five Exeter-based artists in lockdown. These feature two short films, a limited podcast series and an engaging choose-your-own-adventure story set in Exeter. As part of the commission, over 50 people participated to create a choir performance of the anthem ‘When All This Is Over’, inspired by lockdown. All these projects are available to view on their website.
Their Christmas show ‘Treasure island’ broke office box records on its first day of ticket sales, and is hotly anticipated
The theatre began plans to reopen with the re-starting of their Young Company’s classes in mid-August, reflecting the theatre’s long-standing prioritisation of cultivating young talent since the theatre began in 1967. Now, the theatre’s website is full once more of a programme of events, including UNLOCKtoberfest and Treasure Island.
UNLOCKtoberfest reflects Daniel Buckroyd’s plans to foster local talent, as it is a month dedicated to the celebration of local artists. The programme features a diverse range of theatre experiences, including a live debut of a narrative computer game and ending with a sold-out live performance from ‘Show of Hands’. Continuing this, their Christmas show Treasure Island broke box office records on its first day of ticket sales, and is hotly anticipated.
The Exeter Northcott’s re-opening is a beacon of light for the theatre community, and with 10% off in their café for University students, now is a better time than ever to support local theatre.
