Your guide to What's On this weekend

Your guide to What’s On in and around Exeter this weekend (16-18 June):

THEATRE

The Railway Children
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Northcott Theatre, Exeter
E. Nesbit’s classic novel The Railway Children is brought thrillingly to life in a stunning new stage production.  When their father mysteriously disappears with two strangers one evening, the lives of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis are turned upside down.  Forced to leave the comforts of their privileged London life in exchange for a simple existence in the depths of the Yorkshire countryside, this fractured family soon discover new friendships and an unexpected secret that will change their lives forever. Complete with beautiful period costumes, this new production promises an uplifting theatrical experience for all ages. https://exeternorthcott.co.uk

My World Has Exploded a Little Bit
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter
Bella Heesom’s debut play is part true story, part farcical performance lecture. It tells a deeply personal story of loss and love, through a darkly comic 17-step guide to bereavement. Mixing tender intimacy and unflinching honesty with hard-hitting philosophy, clownish silliness and an enchanting live piano score, it takes the audience on a powerful emotional journey, shot through with jet black comedy. www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk

Variations of Pointe II - A Triple Bill
Sunday, The Blackmore Theatre, Bicton Street, Exmouth
JSLN Dance Company return to The Blackmore Theatre with a brand new show.  Variations of Pointe II is a new triple bill programme.  Shows at 2.30pm & 7.30pm, tickets:  £12, £10 conc. Call Ticketline 07484 509514.

MUSIC

Topsham Music Festival
Friday & Saturday, Topsham Recreation Grounds,  junction of Ashford Road and Ferry Road, Exeter
A fantastic annual event showcasing fantastic local live music. Main stage music from 6pm on Friday & from 2pm on Saturday until late. Street food stalls, bars stocked with local ales, lagers, ciders, softs & wine, bouncy castle and much much more....  Click here for more details.

Show of Hands
Friday, Sandy Park, Exeter
Sandy Park presents one of the West Country's finest musical exports, Show of Hands in Concert.  The band have been described as England's finest and most popular roots partnership and something of a 'people's band', regularly voicing the hopes, fears and life stories of scores of people in song. Joined by Miranda Sykes on double bass they are widely recognised for their resonating original songs, stunning musicianship and remarkable audience rapport.  Tickets for this £22. http://www.sandypark.co.uk/book

Jive Talkin' Perform the Bee Gees
Friday,  Exeter Corn Exchange
The timeless repertoire of the Bee Gees is brought to life in this stunning stage production that is taking the country by storm. This charismatic ensemble boasts stars from TV and London's West End and is fronted by real-life family members Darren, Gary and Jack Simmons making for an unrivalled vocal harmony blend.  www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Buddy!
Friday, Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
Buddy Holly & The Crickets are brought back to life as they looked and sounded on their first tour of the UK in 1958 by Spencer J and the Copy-Cat Crickets.  Tickets £17. www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

MenSing concert
Friday, Cygnet Theatre, Exeter
The first full concert by a new group from Okehampton-based Wren Music. MenSing is a 20 strong choir of all male voices who have been singing together for just over a year and have already caused a stir with their first few performances.  Tickets £10 from the box office on 01392 277189 or at www.wegottickets.com/cygnettheatre

Lunchtime Concert: St Peter's Singers
Saturday 1.15pm Exeter Cathedral
An informal performance by The St Peter's Singers of Exeter Cathedral, directed by Timothy Parsons. Entry to the concert is included in the cathedral admission charge.

Laurence Jones
Sunday, 8pm, Exeter Phoenix
British blues artist Laurence Jones is often labelled ‘the future of the blues‘, but this can’t be true can it? He’s the here and the now – socking it to audiences around the world. Blowin’ the roof off every time. He’s the recipient of several major awards. He’s sold serious numbers of his three solo albums, and there’s a fourth on its way – produced by legendary producer Mike Vernon. He’s not practicing. It’s not a rehearsal. He’s deadly serious and damn good at what he does. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

EVENTS

Exeter Civic Society Open Morning
Saturday, 10.30am, Belmont Chapel, Western Way, Exeter
Exeter Civic Society Open Mornings take place every third Saturday of the month (except August) from 10.30am-noon.  There will be a short talk on some aspect of Exeter (past or present) and you are welcome to listen to the speaker, hear the latest news, meet members, and enjoy refreshments. Belmont Chapel is situated next to Jurys Inn hotel.

Armed Forces Day
Saturday, Exeter City Centre
Exeter celebrates Armed Forces Day with a parade through the city centre and a military village on the Cathedral Green. Click here for details.

Cotswold Outdoor Tent Show
From Saturday, Darts Farm, Topsham
Cotswold Outdoor, the market leader for outdoor clothing, footwear and camping goods, will once again be showcasing the very best tents and campsite equipment until 2 July. www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/tentshows

'A Celebration of Books' featuring books and cupcakes 
Saturday, Crediton Library, Belle Parade, Crediton
Organised by Exeter Authors Association as part of CredFest17, the Celebration of Books is a chance to hear readings and attend workshops with a number of local authors, as well as the chance to have books signed and chat. There will be free cupcakes and book giveaways through the afternoon. Open 2pm-5pm.

Free bike security marking
Sunday, 10am Piazza Terracina, Exeter Quay
The West Side Neighbourhood Police Teams are holding a free bike security marking event between 10am and noon. If you would like your bike marked and details stored with Bike Register then please pop along and see one of the team on the day. This is open to anyone city wide and beyond. It’s always worth getting this done so if your bike is stolen and we find it then it gives police a better chance of locating the rightful owner.

30 Days Wild family fun day at Ludwell
Sunday, 10am, Ludwell Valley Park, Exeter EX2 6DQ
Join Devon Wildlife Trust on Father’s Day and day 18 of the 30 Days Wild campaign at Ludwell Valley Park. Families can go wild with wildlife trails, crafts, activities and games. You can also join the charity for a big picnic and wildlife and solstice story telling.This June, it’s all about nature - for everybody, everywhere, every day with Devon Wildlife Trust’s annual 30 Days Wild challenge. For more information click here, email  Devon Wildlife Trust contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org or call 01392 279244.

Inside Outside Craft Market
Sunday, 10am, Transit Shed, Exeter Quay
General craft market featuring local artists, craftspeople and makers. Market starts at 10am closes 5pm, lots of goodies for everyone!

mum2mum market Exeter
Sunday, 10.30am, America Hall, Pinhoe, Exeter
Need to de-clutter? Why not have a clear out and sell all your outgrown baby and children’s toys, books, clothes and equipment like cots, pushchairs and mosses baskets at our award winning pop-up indoor market and keep 100% of the takings? 10.30am-noon. Buyers £2 entry, kids free with plenty of parking. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

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.

Off the Surface: The Art of Hand-Embroidery
Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey
A collaborative exhibition showcasing the art of hand embroidery, old and new. Degree students from The Royal School of Needlework have produced contemporary, hand-embroidered work inspired by treasured textiles from world renowned archives at Hampton Court Palace.The exhibition features surface designs such as appliquéd garments, wearable sculpture, 3-D stitched drapes and hangings alongside historic purses, collars and lacework - offering a rare opportunity to see the past revived in a contemporary fashion. Open 10am-5.30pm daily, until 9 July.