Forever Young at Exeter Northcott is not to be missed

The Northcott Theatre in Exeter is always a lovely place to spend an evening and I was delighted to be invited to attend their current show – Forever Young – last night.

The show is set in the Northcott Theatre Retirement Home in 2070, where the remaining residents are actors of bygone days who still hold that flamboyant sparkle in their eyes and wits, despite aching bones, shaking hands and wandering minds. They are watched over by the domineering Sister Shea, who takes great delight in reminding her elderly wards that they are past their best and have little left to look forward to but the long sleep. The residents, however, are determined to have as much fun as they can before they reach their own final curtain call.

Characters include Ms Micciché, a wonderfully foul-mouthed Devonian who lived in a tree and attended all the protests of the late 20th century. Ms Grace was a star of the stage and is still determined to keep her friends alert and alive by helping them relive their finest moments, despite sometimes forgetting that she is now nearly 90. Her devoted partner is Mr Armfield; the heartwarming fondness he has for Ms Grace is beautiful to watch. Ms Cheesley is cheeky and absolutely determined to not bow out gracefully, and Mr Watts holds the air of rebellion, being exactly who he is and completely unapologetic about it. Accompanying them all on the piano is Mr Combe.

© Craig Fuller

The production is primarily a musical with well-known songs as well as some written by the writer, Erik Gedeon. I certainly didn't expect to be taken on such a roller-coaster of emotions with these musical choices; used as they are, they portray the defiance, vulnerability and tender nostalgia of old age. Mr Armfield sings Where do you go to (my lovely) to his beloved Ms Grace as her mind wanders and she becomes less present in the present (I'm tearing up just remembering it now).

Later on, Ms Grace, having been unexpectedly and abruptly reminded that her youthful beauty and glamour has now faded, sings a heartbreaking version of Barbie Girl, which sounds like an odd choice but actually uses the symbolism perfectly. Ms Micciché brings tears to our eyes once again when she sings that she wants to be Forever Young, before Mr Armfield raises our spirits back to the top of that roller-coaster with a hilariously choreographed rendition of Sex Bomb, reminding us that there is definitely life in the old dog yet.

The talent of all the actors, both physically and vocally, was incredible but a stand-out highlight for me was Mr Watts singing his Memory Medley, where his voice ranged from bass to tenor as he carried us through a wonderful range of snippets of songs, all woven together to create a tapestry of visual images and emotions, accompanied, as always, by the powerfully accomplished Mr Combe on the piano. Mr Watts' voice had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up in ovation.

© Craig Fuller

The show nears it's end with a comic defiance of the residents to behave as they are expected to, and as they sang I Will Survive, I realised that I had either smiled, laughed or tried not to cry for the whole show. But my heart was full of love and happiness for these quirky, mischievous, tender characters who imparted their lesson very well. Though our bodies may fail us, in our hearts we can always be Forever Young.

The production was created in-house by the Northcott and directed by Martin Berry, who said that the theatre was returning to its roots by writing, producing and performing shows which showcase the immense talent in the South West. Their next show will be Daphne, written by Rosie Race, on stage 4^th - 11^th July 2026.

Forever Young runs until 15th March 2026.