Blackmore Theatre

British European Jazz Ensemble, including Enrico Merlin: 'SIBLINGS NOT FOOLS' TOUR 2024
2024-10-27 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Blackmore Theatre, 10 Bicton Street, Exmouth, EX8 2RU
BEJE’s distinctive and energetic contemporary jazz performances are always about collaboration, whether with other players or other cultures. A unique world music-tinged jazz ensemble, its line-up of different sensibilities and skills from all over the continent, its widespread influences, and its union of eclectic styles manifests in powerful creations of improvisation and composition alike. It acknowledges no boundaries, is relentless in its exploration of innovative ingredients for sonic fusion, and embraces humanity by mirroring diversity in its music.
A VIBRANT CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ARGUMENT FOR
INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE.
VENUE MAGAZINE
This Autumn, BEJE tours ‘Siblings Not Fools’, a celebration of the creative energy and unity possible when cultures meet through the medium of music, and a testament to Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1964 declaration: ‘live together as brothers or perish together as fools’. This series of collective collaborations with international artists from Korea, Palestine, Italy, and Wales, is presented (and recorded live for an anthology album to be released in the new year) primarily at grassroots and non-traditional venues, and is supported by skills/experience development workshops.
BEJE works with: the formidable Korean jazz duo of pianist-singer Yunmi Kang and guitarist Sangyeon Park, distilling their technical precision and cool soulfulness into elegant and thrillingly original performances; Zaid Hilal, a compelling and expressive Palestinian singer and master of the ear-catching bağlama, on spellbinding, otherworldly jazz-folk with a Middle-Eastern edge; the prodigiously talented Italian guitarist Enrico Merlin for shows of innovative and dazzling ‘soundscape’ jazz; renowned Palestinian nay reed-flute virtuoso Faris Ishaq for a masterful meld of traditional Palestinian folk music and spine-tingling jazz; and the superb Welsh troubadour Alun Sanger, with an exquisitely crafted and beautifully performed ‘riverology’ song-cycle.
MUSICALLY GIFTED…
CREATIVE AND TECHNICALLY EXCELLENT MUSICIANS.
BLACK MOUNTAIN JAZZ
www.bejejaz.com
ENRICO MERLIN x BEJE
Progressive and thrilling ‘soundscape’ jazz: music without boundaries.
World-class guitar-jazz at its most dynamic, playful, impressionist, and innovative; evocative and electrifying sonic worlds fizzing with surprises, and turning from delicate cinematic dreamscapes to fierce maelstroms of music. Every performance is unique and unrepeatable.
★★★★☆
All About Jazz
From Milano, Italy, guitarist-composer Enrico Merlin is a powerhouse improviser of boundless invention, and an acclaimed Miles Davis authority. He plays rich, complex and restlessly curious contemporary jazz, here underpinned by the superb musicianship of global-jazz collective BEJE. A leading voice in Italy’s jazz and improv scene, Enrico’s signature guitar sound, astonishing technique, distinctive composing vision, and freely spontaneous playing, are justly acclaimed. Journey into the great musical unknown; this is exploratory music of rare and intense beauty, infused with wonder.
‘A tour-de-force.’
Mono & Stereo Magazine

Broadway Unbound - Tuesday
2024-11-19 19:30 - 22:00

Broadway Unbound - Wednesday
2024-11-20 19:30 - 22:00

Broadway Unbound - Thursday
2024-11-21 19:30 - 22:00

Broadway Unbound - Friday
2024-11-22 19:30 - 22:00

Broadway Unbound - Saturday Matinee
2024-11-23 14:30 - 17:00

Broadway Unbound - Saturday
2024-11-23 19:30 - 22:00

Dick Whittington Sun 8th Dec
2024-12-08 16:00 - 18:30
Although Richard Whittington actually lived and was a very rich and charitable man, you will be glad to know the pantomime story and most of the characters are made up!
Alderman Fitzwarren is the ‘Big Cheese of the town and owns the local shop. Sarah the Cook and her son Jack look after the shop and are generally ‘daft’ in a traditional panto fashion.
Dick is down on his luck, but he is given Tommy the Cat by the Good Fairy to keep him company, meets Alderman Fitzwarren’s daughter Alice and falls in love. Alice helps him get a job in her Daddy’s shop. He is accused of stealing the takings, (thanks to the ‘nasty’ King Rat), and so Dick is banished from the city and is sad.
But he decides to prove his innocence and he sneaks on board the Saucy Sally when it sails off with all the cast on board including two silly sailors, getting new stock for the shop. A shipwreck and rat infestation later, Dick is rewarded for getting rid of the rats by the Sultan and the Sultana (his current wife!). Dick marries Alice, Fitzwarren’s daughter on their return to England when he is made Mayor of London town.

Dick Whittington Tue 10th Dec
2024-12-10 19:30 - 22:00

Dick Whittington Wed 11th Dec
2024-12-11 19:30 - 22:00

Dick Whittington Thur 12th Dec
2024-12-12 19:30 - 22:00

Dick Whittington Fri 13th Dec
2024-12-13 19:30 - 22:00

Dick Whittington Sat 14th Dec
2024-12-14 16:00 - 18:30

Dick Whittington Sun 15th Dec
2024-12-15 16:00 - 18:30

Yeo & Jory - Dec 21st
2024-12-21 19:30 - 22:00
The Incredible Sarah Jory, “Queen of the pedal steel” has toured over the world including having performed with greats Van Morrison, Glen Campbell, Eric Clapton to name a few ! Together with Sarah Yeo, whose Soaring “Beautiful Voice” (BBC Introducing) has drawn stars such as Jim Marshall (Amps) & Shane Richie, with her music gaining high acclaim. These talented Devonian artists will perform originals and big hits in an up close setting. So prepare to relax and be wowed, with an evening of amazing music!
Video Link

Sex Cells - Mon 24th March
2025-03-24 19:30 - 2025-03-29 19:30
In the heart of a bustling call center for a company that sells sex toys, four women and their middle-aged male manager navigate the demands of work while grappling with deeply personal challenges. The seemingly lighthearted setting becomes the backdrop for a touching exploration of love, longing, and the complexities of human connection.
Sylvie is desperate to have a baby, but her single-minded focus is straining her marriage and causing friction with her coworkers. Janice, a mother of five, struggles to find time for herself or her husband. Tiffany, young and single, dreams of finding “the one” but is cautious about sacrificing her independence. Meanwhile, star employee Lily, trapped in a loveless marriage and estranged from her son, buries her pain in wisecracks and relentless work.
Each character navigates personal challenges, from family issues to loneliness, creating moments of humour, grief, and unexpected connection. Their awkward yet well-meaning manager, Mr. Causeway, adds his own layer of complexity as he tries to support his team while grappling with his own isolation.
Sex Cells by Anna Longaretti is a bittersweet comedy that balances humour with heartfelt moments, offering a poignant look at the ties that bind us and the sacrifices made in the search for happiness and fulfilment.

Neville's Island - April
2025-04-21 19:30 - 2025-04-26 22:30
When four middle-aged, middle-management men embark on a corporate team-building weekend in the Lake District, things quickly go hilariously awry. Stranded on a remote island after a canoeing mishap, Neville, the appointed leader, must navigate his way through the chaos as his mismatched colleagues.
What begins as an exercise in teamwork turns into a comedic battle of wits, egos, and survival as the group struggles to cope with the island’s challenges—and each other. With limited resources, rising tensions, and unexpected revelations, the four men grapple with their insecurities, failures, and the absurdity of their predicament.
This production of Neville’s Island is presented by Tambourine Productions, who previously delighted audiences at The Blackmore Theatre with their sell-out production of Blackadder Goes Forth and the critically acclaimed Bouncers. Packed with humour, heart, and surprising twists, Tim Firth’s play offers a delightfully entertaining look at what happens when civilization is left behind, and only the bonds of camaraderie—or lack thereof—remain.

Growing Old Very Disgracefully II - The Sequel
2025-05-07 19:30 - 2025-05-10 14:30
Perfomance
Performances: Wed to Fri at 7.30pm and Sat at 2.30pm
This show is a light-hearted look at the trials and tribs of growing old. It promises to be very entertaining including sketches, many familiar songs from the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970s together with three songs written especially for the occasion. There’s also a couple of poems!
The sketches have titles such as ‘Thermo War’, ‘Exercise’ (the mind boggles!), ‘Old Mr. Angry’, ‘Two Men In A Pub’ and many more. One of the poems is about the noises that one makes as one grows old! The other is a surprise!
This show is not to be missed and will provide a friendly, enjoyable evening for all those who attend. The songs are ideal for much joining in!

Wizard Of Oz by Centre Stage Juniors
2025-05-28 19:00 - 2025-05-31 14:00
Performances: Evenings Wed to Sat at 7pm, Matinee Fri & Sat at 2pm
L. Frank Baum’s beloved story of a young girl’s adventure in a magical land has been entertaining audiences for over a century. MGM’s blockbuster 1939 film adaptation, featuring the timeless songs of Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, along with the brilliant instrumental music of Herbert Stothart, elevated the popular novel to even greater heights. This stage adaptation, featuring the characters and celebrated songs from the film, brings the wondrous Land of Oz to life in a jubilant theatrical experience.
Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Of course, along the way, Dorothy encounters witches (both good and bad), Munchkins, talking trees and winged monkeys. But most importantly, she befriends three unique characters: a Scarecrow with no brain, a Tin Man with no heart, and a Lion with no “nerve.” Their journey to happiness – and self-awareness – is a glowing testament to friendship, understanding and hope in a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.

SADS - Triple Bill...
2025-06-13 19:00 - 2025-06-14 19:00
Performances: Friday 7pm, Saturday 2.30pm and 7pm
Sidmouth Amateur Dramatics Society returns once again to The Blackmore Theatre to present their triple bill of:
1, Second Person Narrative
2, Aesop’s Fables & Twisted Tales
3, The Amazing Adventures of Percy

Home I'm Darling
2025-06-30 19:30 - 2025-07-05 22:00
Performances: Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 2.30pm and 7.30pm
‘Home I’m Darling’ by Laura Wade is a sharp satire which explores the reality of adopting the values and lifestyle of the 1950s whilst living in the modern age and has been described as a “fizzing drama of gender, homes and housework”. Judy, the main character, loves 1950s music, dance and costumes and has persuaded her husband, Johnny, to fully embrace the era.
At the start of the play, Judy has been a full-time housewife for three years and delights in baking, cleaning and looking after her husband. However, as financial pressures mount, relationships strain, and modern reality clashes with Judy’s idealised vision of the past, we see how the couple reassess the choices and sacrifices they have made. Funny yet poignant, nostalgic yet thought-provoking, ‘Home I’m Darling’ won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 2019.

Starting Pointe - Talent.... Shows
2025-07-12 18:30 - 2025-07-13 16:00
Performances: Saturday 6.30pm, Sunday 10am, 1pm & 4pm

This production was written for our Theatre Company and this year we are welcoming both our Seniors and Juniors to the Blackmore theatre for our summer show.
The story is based at SP Academy, where they are putting on a Talent Show! New girl Angel is doing her best to fit in, whilst Lucia ‘head cheerleader’, is doing whatever necessary to be the STAR of the show…..

Rosedale Hall
2025-08-25 19:30 - 2025-08-30 19:00
Performances: Mon to Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 4pm
Rosedale Hall – a new play written by Zoe Hudson-Young, a former member of the Exmouth Players – focuses on three life-long friends relaxing at a prestigious health retreat which Mary and Betty hope will help Sandra regain balance in her life after her recent divorce.
The anonymous entrance of an undercover journalist, a rather more flamboyant retired actress, the addition of an overweening male masseuse, a capable service provider and a health practitioner lead to a hilarious sequence of unexpected events.

Broadway Baby 5
2025-09-05 19:30 - 22:00, 2025-09-12 19:30 - 22:00
An unmissable evening of Broadway and West End show tunes. Following on from the success of previous concerts we welcome back Broadway Baby 5.
Being presented at The Blackmore Theatre, Bicton Street, Exmouth on Friday 5th & Friday 12th September at 7.30pm, this year in aid of Mill Water School.
Featuring hit songs from classic musicals Cabaret, Chorus Line and Little Shops of Horrors to new hits Islander, Beetle Juice and Two Strangers Carry a Cake the evening guarantees to be a toe tapping night to remember.

Audience with Murder
2025-09-29 19:30 - 2025-10-04 19:00
Performances: Mon to Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm
This intriguing, multi-layered, witty thriller for two men and two women is full of unexpected twists. A Russian doll of a play, it moves from a seemingly innocuous domestic play reading through a murder mystery in the classic style, to a final terrifying and violent climax.
It was first produced at the Edinburgh Festival in 2004 and subsequently presented to critical acclaim at the Jermyn Street Theatre, London, in 2006.

Company
2025-11-10 19:30 - 2025-11-15 22:00
Performances: Mon to Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 2.30pm
Stephen Sondheim’s Company
Groundbreaking, witty, and brilliantly funny, Stephen Sondheim’s Company is a game-changing musical about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness in modern New York.
At the centre is Robert – a 35-year-old bachelor whose friends are all happily (and sometimes not-so-happily) married. As they gather to celebrate his birthday, Robert is drawn into a whirlwind of conversations, dinners, and dates that explore the highs and lows of commitment, companionship, and being single in a coupled-up world.
Featuring Sondheim’s razor-sharp lyrics and iconic songs including Being Alive, The Ladies Who Lunch, and Side by Side by Side, Company is a sophisticated, funny, and deeply human story that has captivated audiences for decades.
For the very first time, Exmouth Musical Theatre Company will be performing a full-scale musical at The Blackmore Theatre, and they’re bringing Sondheim’s masterpiece to life in this exciting production.

Copperfield!
2025-12-06 19:30 - 2025-12-13 22:00
Performances: Sat 6th, Sun 7th @ 4pm and then Wed 10th to Fri 12th @ 7.30pm, and Sat 13th @ 4pm
Copperfield!
Our latest festive time production: an adaptation of Charles Dickens David Copperfield!

Yeo & Jory - The Two Sarahs
2025-12-21 14:30 - 17:30

Nora: A Doll's House
2026-03-23 19:30 - 2026-03-28 19:30
Performances: Mon to Sat @ 7.30pm
Nora: A Dolls House
An adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House
By Stef Smith
Nora is the perfect wife and mother. She is dutiful, beautiful and everything is always in its right place. But when a secret from her past comes back to haunt her, her life rapidly unravels. Over the course of three days, Nora must fight to protect herself and her family or risk losing everything.
Henrik Ibsen’s brutal portrayal of womanhood caused outrage when it was first performed in 1879. This bold new version by Stef Smith reframes the drama in three different time periods. The fight for women’s suffrage, the Swinging Sixties and the modern day intertwine in this urgent, poetic play that asks how far have we really come in the past hundred years?
