The theatre was established following the closure of the Theatre Royal in Exeter to ensure the city retained a professional performance space.
It officially opened in 1967 with a production of The Merchant of Venice featuring Sir Ian McKellen.
The venue underwent a major refurbishment in 2007 to upgrade its technical capabilities and front-of-house facilities.
It serves as a primary venue for the biennial Exeter Fringe Festival.
The theatre operates a specific 'Northcott Young Company' program to provide professional-standard training for local youth.
The site was historically part of the Reed Hall estate on the university grounds.
The Exeter Northcott Theatre is a mid-scale professional producing and receiving house situated on the University of Exeter's Streatham Campus. Opened in 1967, it functions as a registered charity and serves as a regional hub for touring drama, contemporary dance, opera, and comedy. The venue features a 464-seat main auditorium designed with an adaptable proscenium stage. In addition to commercial touring productions, the theatre collaborates on co-productions and provides space for local community engagement. Its architectural design reflects the modernist trends of the late 1960s British university expansion. The theatre maintains a diverse artistic program that balances mainstream entertainment with experimental and fringe performances.
The glass-fronted foyer exterior during the evening when the building is illuminated.
Book parking in advance via the university’s permit system, as on-site spaces are extremely limited during term time.
Arrive early to enjoy the bar and cafe area, which offers views over the university gardens.
Check the website for 'post-show' talk events, which are frequently hosted with cast and creative teams.
Attempting to find street parking immediately outside the theatre, as it is restricted and heavily monitored by university security.
The theatre operates year-round but may have reduced programming during the university summer break in August.
Standard theatre etiquette applies; silence mobile devices and refrain from photography or filming during live performances.
