Exeter Stories

Director, writer and performer Katie Villa of Quirk Theatre talks about imagination as activism, and how Theatre can help us imagine better futures.In this joyful, reflective chat we cover:Katie’s creative roots and her discovery of Exeter’s vibrant arts scene.The evolution of Quirk Theatre, renowned for inventive family productions blending playfulness and purpose.Creating Dayzee and the World of Tomorrow — a show co-designed with Exeter’s children and climate scientists to explore optimistic

Chris Wood, organiser with Exeter Community Alliance (ECA), a city-wide umbrella network helping nearly 100 local groups collaborate, share space, and engage the public. We talk about moving “beyond protest” to long-term, community-led action; why shared high-street space matters; and how ECA is weaving climate, social justice, culture and civic groups into a practical, supportive network. In this episode:How XR activism led to forming Exeter Community Alliance and a public-facing hub model. Why

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Alice Mills and Dr Natalie Whitehead, co-founders of the Exeter Science Centre, to explore how two physicists turned their passion for public engagement into a grassroots movement for science, sustainability, and community connection in the South West.Together, we talk about:How a chance conversation between two physicists sparked the idea for a new kind of science centre.Why hands-on discovery and local relevance matter for tackling global challenges like climate

Callum Elliott-Archer, Centre Manager of Exeter Library, reveals how breaking decades-old rules, listening to teenagers, and moving furniture on wheels transformed a declining library into an award-winning cultural hub with higher footfall than pre-COVID.When Callum took over as Centre Manager in 2020, libraries nationwide were closing and visits were declining. Rather than accept the trend, he asked fundamental questions: What is a library in 2025? Is this building actually welcoming? The answers

Julian Tagg, Chairman of Exeter City FC, shares an extraordinary journey from ball boy to boardroom and reveals how a community-owned football club is tackling Exeter's biggest social challenges.In this episode, Julian recounts the dramatic rescue of Exeter City from administration in 2003, when the club faced £4.8 million in debt and sheriffs literally came to seize the floodlights. But this is more than a survival story, Julian shares how this fan-owned club has evolved into a community powerhouse

Cameron Mills shares the remarkable journey from a small rock project to a creative education empire reaching over 1,000 children across the South West, and reveals his vision for Exeter as the next cultural capital.In this episode, Cameron explains how his frustration with traditional music education led to creating something completely different: a creative ecosystem where kids can explore everything from DJing and podcasting, to animation and West End-style drama. Starting with just 25 children

Emma Dunn, Director of the Devon and Exeter Institution, shares the dramatic story of rescuing a collapsing 13th-century building and transforming an exclusive gentlemen's club into an accessible heritage charity serving all of Exeter.When Emma arrived in 2015, scaffolding held up library ceilings, buckets caught drips from failed roofs, and nets captured falling debris, all while members calmly read newspapers below. The building had been on the Heritage at Risk register for three years. Through

Fiona Carden, CEO of CoLab Exeter, shares the remarkable 10-year journey of creating a community hub that revolutionizes how services support people in crisis.In this episode, Fiona explains how CoLab evolved from an uncertain vision with public health funding into what Bishop Robert called "the holder of hope in the city." Rather than just co-locating services in one building, CoLab has created a unique culture of collaboration that wraps around individuals experiencing complex challenges.Ways you