Film, Food, Fun & Frolics at The Globe's Blues Brothers Night

This Thursday, 30 Jan, Newtown will be abuzz with a night of Blues Brothers booze, food, music and a little bit of fancy dress when the Reel Collective kick off their brand new night at the Globe with a Blues Brothers party to make James & Elwood proud. I caught up with Andy at The Globe to get the scoop on what's in store.

So who are the Reel Collective? 

The Reel Collective is made up of Sal Hughes, Ali Pym, Ben Rothwell and Andy Miller. Sal works as a media lecturer at South Devon College and also co-hosts Ben and Sally's Film Show on Phonic FM. Ali is also a lecturer in media and film at Exeter College. Ben works at The Picturehouse in Exeter and as a projectionist, and is the other half of Ben and Sally's Film Show. Andy is co-owner at The Globe in Exeter. This collaboration came about through a shared passion for classic films, community engagement, coupled with having a bit of fun. 

What can we expect on the night? 

The first Reel Collective night is on Thursday the 30th of January with a screening of the cult classic, The Blues Brothers. This won't be your ordinary screening, the upstairs room will be lovingly decorated in a Blues Brother's style. A vegetarian friendly supper is included as part of the ticket price, as is post-movie dancing with soul, swing and Motown classics being lined up on the house record deck. If you're thinking of coming along, don your shades, pork pie hats, and anything else that gives a nod to the era and in particular the movie narrative itself. 

You guys have done a great job revitalizing the pub and giving it a welcoming & modern feel. This is should be a fun start to the new year, what else have you got in mind for 2014?

Thanks, that's really kind of you to say. 2014 is looking good already with lots of projects on the cards right from the word go. We aim to run the Reel Collective nights on a bi-monthly basis. We will be serving food for the first time within the next few weeks, which is very exciting, as the kitchen refit has taken much longer than we first anticipated. Live music will still be a major feature on the landscape at The Globe going forwards, with some exciting new nights in the offing. We plan on utilising the upstairs bar space a lot more going forwards, again we will be posting any new developments on our Facebook page - keep your eyes peeled for those in the next couple of months.

Source: black.zack00

Exeter LOL Comedy Festival Review: Robert Newman's New Theory of Evolution

Rob Newman 2014 Comedy Tour 

Anyone going to Robert Newman's show expecting to hear a gently introspective retrospective set like that which his former partner in crime David Baddiel delivered at the Edinburgh Fringe last summer, will be pleasantly surprised at being totally wrong.

Sunday night's sold out 'New Theory of Evolution' show at the Exeter Phoenix was a brilliantly considered medley of surreal musings, charming anecdotes, a well read basis for his new theory of evolution and a little bit of ukulele. I won't go into the theory itself, because I hate comedy show reviews that spoil the punchline, but in the end I fully was convinced. There is a thread that carries through the show, something that seems to be a running theme of his body of work for the last few years in fact, that as a society we have the potential to do better...and should at least make an effort to do so.

So while the show is in almost no way observational comedy - there is brief mention of his daughter and possible reference to an unnamed postman friend - it is not impersonal at all. You are laughing with him as he shares things that he's concerned about, cares about and may be attempting to influence, ever so slightly, with this new theory of his.

Sat in the audience I was reminded of Mark Thomas, Robin Ince and on occasion even one Mr. Stuart Lee, in that it's a show with a thesis that makes you think as much as you laugh. I like this. It makes me happy. It makes me pleased that there are people in the world that still find wonder and amusement in what everyone else takes for granted. These people are messengers that make sure that we don't just let daily nonsense pass us by unchecked and keep a keen eye out for ducks who are fluent in French and Flemmish.

More comedy on at the Exeter Phoenix and throughout the city as part of the LOL Festival until 7 Feb.

Weekend Playlist: Exeter Gigs & Raves

The city is alive this weekend with all kinds of music. Feast your ears on this fine selection on gigs and happenings.

Friday

Indie band, The Raptors will be launching their new EP at the Exeter Phoenix's 'New Sounds' night. Drop in to rock out The Raptors, Foot-Joy, and the New Lights. Free from 8pm.


Dorset band The Devils Rejects, will be burning up the stage at The Firehouse on Friday night. Normal start is about 10pm. £1 entry, delicious pizzas, ales and ciders to be had.


Late night DJ mecca, Cellar Door will be bring the funk with their new Friday night jam, Fly Society. We're talkin' garage, hip hop, DnB, house and all out party tunes from 10-3 for £3 on the door.

Saturday

Adam Sweet, is easily one of Exeter's premiere acoustic blues men and you can catch this long legged crooner on Saturday afternoon at Evolution Cafe on Fore Street from about 1pm.



Rufiji's parties are kind of legendary. They raise money for an Africa village and generally blow the roof off wherever they go. Saturday the will be joined by up and coming indie act The Beacons, for fun and frolics at the Exeter Phoenix. £8 from 8pm.

Sunday

Wicked awesome Americana band Cut Purse Rascals will be launching their new EP at the Bike Shed on Sunday. They've got a great sound and a vintage style, should be a perfect Bike Shed evening.

10 Signs You Live in Exeter

When you live in Exeter there are a few things that you take for granted. That there will be traffic on Exe Bridges whenever you need to cross it - and you will get caught at all of the traffic lights. That you can't possibly leave Timepiece at the end of the night without getting a burger. And that you are surrounded by students, some how they're everywhere. But when you go for a sunny walk by the river, catch up with your friend on the High Street, or see that statue with a cone on its head, you know that you're home.

1. Looking for a parking space when the students are here...

2. Finding a parking space when the students are here...

3. When you hear singing from the street at 3 in the morning...

4. When you've been at the food festival all weekend...

5. At the Great West Run...

6. Before Exeter City play Plymouth, everyone says...

7. After Exeter City play Plymouth, everyone says...

8. When you finish shopping the High Street on a Saturday...

9. At the end of the night, when you're trying to get to the the front of the queue at Uncle Raj...

10. But when the sun is shining and you're sitting by the Waterfront with a pint in your hand...

Raise your glass to the 25th Annual Exeter Festival of Winter Ales!

Pint of the local please!

Exeter's local CAMRA will be celebrating quarter century of awesomeness today when they open the doors to the 25th Exeter & East Devon Festival of Winter Ales at St James Park today. If you're wondering whether they're serious about it, we're talking 66 delicious winter ales, 12 refreshing real ciders, and Ginger Ale for good measure.

I went last year and the year before, and was delighted on both occasions. There is great representation from local breweries like the Otter, Exeter, Exe Valley and Driftwood breweries, as well as some northerners from Somerset and beyond.

If you go along, expect a casual, friendly atmosphere and a lot of very merry people. They open at 11 on Friday and Saturday. Last year they had 1800 visitors and in the past they've sold out(!) so grab a glass and get down there if you can.

Couple jars from last year's Festival