* Page Loading - Please Wait *
Sorry, This Event is in the past!
South African singer-songwriter-guitarist Rowan Stuart will make his Exeter debut at the Cygnet Theatre on Saturday 19 April 2025 as part of his Fable Tour. As a child, Rowan Stuart was always walking two worlds - the real one, with its cold facts and harsh realities, and the universe inside his mind, rich with magic and endless possibility. One day, he discovered the guitar, and with it, the key to unlocking his inner universe, and bridging the gap between the world as it was, and how he believed it could be.
In 2008 from Durban, South Africa, the artist whose music is best described as 'story-driven dream folk pop', released his first solo album 'A Thousand Brand New Places'. He went on to release 6 more albums, and performed over a thousand shows, while supporting many of the country's most successful music acts. He refined his craft as a songwriter, finding the enigmatic crossover point between musical sophistication and accessibility, with several of his songs becoming successful on national radio.
Now based in Paignton, Devon, Rowan continues his quest to find the ethereal beauty hidden in the mundane, and to unlock a sense of magic in people's imaginations, through the power of music.
Rowan's live performances include himself on vocals, electric and acoustic guitars and loop station, and Exeter-based Mattie James on bass guitar. The live material consists of songs from his 7 albums, as well as re-interpreted classics from some of his favourite songwriters. The show combines Rowan's storytelling, soothing vocals and virtuosic guitar improvisations, while seamlessly blending genres - from timeless pop, to blues and folk - underpinned by African rhythmic sensibilities, and a central theme of hope.
The Cygnet Theatre in Exeter stands as a significant cultural asset, an educational charity dedicated to the rigorous training of actors for over four decades. Beyond its foundational role in nurturing emerging talent, it functions as a vibrant hub for both professional and community-led artistic endeavours, contributing substantially to the region's performing arts landscape.
Within its walls, the intimate 100-seat auditorium offers a distinct atmosphere. The air often carries the faint, comforting scent of aged timber and theatrical greasepaint, while the well-trodden floorboards resonate with the echoes of countless rehearsals and performances. This flexible space, originally a parish hall dating back to 1914, retains a sense of history and purpose.
Practical considerations are well-addressed, ensuring broad access for all patrons. The venue provides ramp access and facilities for wheelchair users, including accessible toilets, and welcomes guide dogs. A bar is available for refreshments, and performers benefit from dedicated dressing rooms with shower facilities and a shared kitchen.
Throughout the year, the Cygnet presents a diverse programme encompassing classical and contemporary drama, musical theatre, and new writing. It regularly hosts musical events, dance, comedy, and folk performances, alongside its own company's productions and those of visiting troupes, offering a consistent stream of engaging live experiences.
Friars Gate,
Exeter,
Devon,
England,
EX2 4AZ.
Sorry, This Event is in the past!
Whilst every effort goes into ensuring this event listing is accurate and up to date, always check with the venue before you travel.
