Your guide to What's On this weekend

Your essential guide to What’s On in and around Exeter this Bank Holiday weekend (26-29 May)

THEATRE

Bubble Schmeises
Friday & Saturday, Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter
Bubbemeises is Yiddish for a grandmother’s story, a tall story, an old wives’ tale. Writer and street performer Nick Cassenbaum and his Klezmer musicians invite you into the warmth of the Canning Town Schvitz, East London’s last authentic bath house. Amongst the steam and ritual Nick will take you on a journey to find the place he belongs. Schlapping through summer camps, barber shops and Spurs games, will Nick find what he was looking for? Bubble Schmeisis is full of intimate and personal true stories about identity, home and getting schmeised (washed) by old men. www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk

Shell Shock – The Play
Sunday, Exeter Northcott
Shell Shock is a stunning personal realisation of one soldier’s experience of learning to cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Tommy Atkins’ observations on the absurdities of every-day life on civvy street are frequently comic, occasionally absurd, sometimes violent but always poignant. His wired over-emotional responses to post office queues, a trip to Ikea, his relationships and family lead to alienation and anger. https://exeternorthcott.co.uk

Pasha Kovalev
Sunday, 7.30pm, Exeter Corn Exchange
Strictly Come Dancing’s Pasha Kovalev invites you to join him as he leads you in dance through his incredible journey from snowy Siberian beginnings to the sparkle of the Strictly Ballroom.
www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

Exeter Comedy Grove
Sunday, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
Exeter Comedy Grove presents Ellen Tinkhams South Africa Expedition Fundraiser. Line Up: MC – Cerys Nelmes with support, Steve Day.  www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

MUSIC

Leo Sayer
Friday, 7.30pm, Exeter Corn Exchange
With 16 hit albums and 26 hit singles to his credit, Leo Sayer is one of the most successful acts the UK has ever produced and remains hugely popular worldwide. www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

Mirrors and Meditations
Friday, 7.30pm, Church of the Sacred Heart, 25 South Street, Exeter
Internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Stephen Beville and concert violinist Jonathan Storer present a meditative programme of violin and piano music - featuring Arvo Part's Fratres, Spiegel im Spiegel, Beville's Monodrama (world premiere) and Beethoven's Kreutzer Sonata, Op 47. Tickets £11. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Exeter University Concert Band
Saturday, 1pm, Transit Shed, Exeter Quay
Exeter University Concert Band will be playing their favourite pieces from the past year along with some familiar new tunes, featuring delights such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom of the Opera and much more. Admission is free. 1pm-2.30pm.

Ryley Walker
Sunday, 7.30pm, Exeter Phoenix
The prolific guitarist is on the road with his band for a tour that is sure to showcase the self-deprecating and subtle humour of his lyrics as much as his stellar fingerpicking and the heavy musicianship of his band. Tickets £13 standing. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Rum Bubbles - First of the Summer Whine
Monday, 9pm, The Cavern, Queen Street, Exeter
For the last time this year Rum Bubbles will be bringing the South West's finest blend of afrobeats, dancehall and bashment. http://exetercavern.com

EVENTS

Gin Festival
Saturday, noon, Exmouth Pavilion
Prepare to have your taste buds tantalised by the 120 different gins from around the world. Tickets and further details: http://ginfestivalsuk.com

Exeter Respect Festival Launch Party
Saturday, 7.15pm, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
The official launch of this very special celebration marking 20 years of the annual Exeter Respect Festival, as our multi-cultural city comes together in song, dance and performance. Exeter Respect – All Different, All Equal. Cake and refreshments from 6pm in the main foyer/bar, free entry. www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk 

Pirate Week
From Saturday, Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Exeter
Guests are in for a treat, as they’ll be amongst the first to climb aboard the brand new giddy galleon with Captain Crealy and his shipmates! Unlike other pirate ship rides, The Jolly Roger rocks and spins simultaneously, so riders really do feel like they are on high seas. Crealy is hosting Pirate Week from Saturday 27th May to Sunday 4th June. https://www.crealy.co.uk

Poltimore Festival
Sunday, Poltimore House, Exeter
Poltimore Festival is back for its second year, showcasing the best music, theatre, art, film and spoken word from all over the South West. Join us for a jam-packed programme at Poltimore House and Grounds to celebrate the wealth of talent in the South West 11am-9pm. http://www.poltimore.org

Topsham RFC Car Boot Sale
Monday, Topsham RFC, Exeter Road, Topsham
Back by popular demand and open 9.30am-1pm. Public on foot - free entrance, £1 donation welcome for parking. Sellers  welcome to set up at 8am with fees £6 per car and small vans, larger vehicles and trailers at £10 each. The clubhouse will be open with hot food and drinks available all morning and the Bar will also be open towards lunchtime, with guest ales and longstanding favourites on offer. For more details visit www.topshamrugby.co.uk or call Bee Jenkins on 01392 873651.

EXHIBITIONS

Sea Life: Glimpses of the Wonderful
RAMM, Queen Street Exeter
Catch a glimpse of the magic and mystery of the world under the sea. Dive in, and delight in the wonders of aquatic life. Through a playful mix of historic objects, film, illustrations, live creatures and contemporary craft, the exhibition combines science and art to inspire a greater appreciation of Devon’s glorious coastline for visitors of all ages. The exhibition runs until 17 September, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm.