Festive family adventure Ernie and the Sea of Ice returns to Exeter Phoenix this Christmas

Exeter families are invited to embark on an icy, heartwarming adventure this festive season as Quirk Theatre returns to Exeter Phoenix with Ernie and the Sea of Ice, running from 14 to 28 December.

Now in their 22nd year of Christmas collaborations, Quirk Theatre and Exeter Phoenix are reviving one of their most beloved productions, a playful and poignant retelling of Ernest Shackleton’s legendary Antarctic expedition.

READ NEXT: Horror for Exeter family as slug discovered in Tesco milk used in children's breakfasts

The story follows Ernie as he joins Shackleton and his crew aboard the Endurance on a daring voyage to Antarctica. When the ship becomes trapped in the ice, the team (along with 69 dogs and one determined cat) must rely on courage, creativity, and friendship to survive in the frozen wilderness.

Blending inventive stagecraft, live music, and laugh-out-loud humour, the production transforms Shackleton’s real-life struggle into a family-friendly tale of endurance and hope.

“We’re so excited to be restaging an audience favourite, with all the best bits from before and plenty of new surprises thrown in,” said Katie Villa, Artistic Director of Quirk Theatre. “It’s an amazing true story with a quirky twist that the whole family can enjoy.”

Inspired by Shackleton’s remarkable leadership — which saw his entire crew survive against the odds — Ernie and the Sea of Ice celebrates resilience, teamwork, and the power of imagination. Expect penguins, ship’s cats, sled dogs, and a dash of cabaret in this fun, festive spectacle.

Audience members are also encouraged to “pay it forward” by donating tickets to help families supported by Refugee Support Devon and Exeter Food Bank attend the show, ensuring the magic of theatre reaches as many people as possible.

Tickets are available now through the Exeter Phoenix website.