Culture

Amazing art, world class theatre, brilliant music and fabulous festivals – there’s always something cultural to enjoy in the city.

With a wealth of venues, galleries, museums and open spaces Plymouth offers live gigs, shows, exhibitions and events all throughout the year, culminating in the Plymouth Summer Festival. Now in its fifth fantastic year the festival has a jam-packed programme making it a must for locals and visitors alike.

Contemporary art lovers will be thrilled at the arrival of the British Art Show this summer. Hailed as the most ambitious and influential exhibition of its kind, British Art Show 7: In the Days of the Comet will showcase sculpture, painting, installation, photography, film and performance at various locations across the city including the Peninsula Arts Gallery, City Museum, Royal William Yard, University of Plymouth and Arts Centre.

Theatre-goers are always spoilt for choice in the city with the consistently impressive line-up at the Theatre Royal. Top West End shows and Broadway productions regularly take in Plymouth whilst on tour and glitzy musicals, challenging dramas, children’s shows and the end of year finale – the big-production family panto complete the exciting programme each year. And this summer is no exception. Expect West End favourite The Blues Brothers, Broadway musical hit Fela! and children’s choice The Gruffalo’s Child to name a few. Arthouse auditorium the Drum offers cutting edge theatre next door and the bijou Barbican Theatre has a regular array of diverse live performances on its bill.

Plymouth also boasts its own outdoor Big Screen right in the heart of the city centre. From Wimbledon to the Royal Wedding, movies to motor racing, the Big Screen has televised major events to the masses. This year, as part of the Summer Festival, the Big Screen will be showing three classic movies, two operas and a ballet live from Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House as well as some of the world’s most exciting sporting events.

Plymouth Pavilions is the city’s big-ticket music arena and has a year-round schedule of top rock and pop acts as well as dance, comedy and classical shows. Headlining this summer are Strictly Come Dancing duo Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace with their stunning production Midnight Tango as well as pop sensation Adele, West End superstar Michael Ball and funnyman Lee Evans. Music fans can also enjoy a wide choice of genres from up-and-coming bands and well-known local artists at the city’s more intimate venues.