Exeter in the 1920s – Sunshine and Shadows

Exeter in the 1920s was a place of huge contrasts, with both ‘Sunshine’ and ‘Shadows’. Shadows of unemployment, poverty and war-time trauma clouded the decade, but many people were able to enjoy new houses and new opportunities to go out and enjoy themselves. The Festival of Devon in the 1920s is showcasing these different aspects in a series of events in Exeter through early October, which includes this evening’s historical entertainment at The Mint Methodist Centre.

The main event of the evening will be a dramatic presentation, The Best of Times, the Worst of Times, based on the lives of real Exeter people from the West Quarter. The cast of characters who will be recounting their personal stories include amongst others a landlady, a badger expert, an ice-cream manufacturer, and a victim of childhood polio. To get us in a 1920s mood, the evening begins with a swing. In a film by John Tomkinson for the Festival of Devon in the 1920s, the South West Lindy Hoppers are shown dancing the (rather shocking) 1920s’ dance imported from the United States, the Charleston, in Exeter’s Historic Guildhall.

If you are a member of the Exeter Local History Society, tickets are free for you - please select a £0 ticket when registering for the event. If you are not a member of the Society, there is a small (£5) entry fee. If you would like to attend as a non-member, please select a non-member ticket when registering.

More information about the Society and its events can be found on the Society's website at www.exeterlocalhistorysociety.co.uk. More information about the Festival of Devon in the 1920s is available at www.devontwentiesfestival.co.uk.

Also check out other Entertainment events in Exeter, Festivals in Exeter, Arts events in Exeter.