The various theatres on the English Riviera have already devised impressive line ups for 2015 and this means that a theatre break in this part of South Devon is well worth planning for.
The main theatre in the Torbay area is The Princess Theatre. On February 7th there are two shows in the increasingly popular Sing-along – a series. Firstly, at 10.30am and 14.30 there is Sing-along-a Frozen whilst later in the day at 19.00 there is Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music. Essentially, the audience become the stars of the shows as a live host conducts the event and the films are screened. Fancy dress is fast becoming Compulsory!!
There are some amazing touring productions including the legendary Oh What a Lovely War which has particular significance as we continue to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. This production takes place between 17th and 21st March. On the 12th and 13th June, The Judy Garland Show arrives and is sure to be a sell out. It is even more special as it features an appearance from Lorna Luft who is Judy Garland’s daughter. Another show that will certainly be popular is the Musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels which is based upon the film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin.
Fans of stand up comedy have a lot to look forward to. On 30th May Alan Carr presents his Yap Yap Yap show and there are then appearances by Milton Jones on 20th June, Jim Davidson on 31st July and Jimmy Carr on 21st August.
For people who prefer dance Brendan Cole has a show on 14th March, Pasha Kovalev appears on 13th May, the Vienna Festival ballet appear on 16th May and on 6th June there is An Evening of Dirty Dancing – The Tribute Show.
There are numerous shows by singer or tribute acts to singers or bands. Some of the most notable of these are The Drifters on 11th April, The Hollies on 24th April, The Carpenters Story on 4th June and The ELO Experience on 29th July.
The Babbacombe Theatre perched high up on Babbacombe Downs is a unique and quirky venue which is still home to variety shows that run throughout most of the year. It also plays host to some other fantastic one nighters including music from Ray Quinn on 22nd May, the legendary Toyah on 5th June, and the superb Joe McElderry on 20th June. There is an evening with medium Tony Stockwell on 19th June and a show not to be missed on 15th May is comedian Tim Vine.
The historic Palace Theatre in Paignton is home to a large number of high quality amateur and semi professional productions as well as a venue for some smaller touring shows.
Another strong local theatre group is TOADS whose venue is The Little Theatre at Meadfoot. This extremely professional outfit has an impressive line up for the year ahead and balances quite serious theatrical pieces with some more light hearted shows. They too play host to smaller touring shows.
It’s worth planning now to make sure your short break becomes a theatre break and to ensure that tickets are still available because some of the shows are likely to be sell outs. As far as accommodation is concerned we can now offer a range of guest accommodation.
We have holiday apartments in the centre of Torquay. The Bedford House Apartments are a mix of one bedroom holiday apartments a two bedroom holiday apartment and there is also a three bedroom holiday apartment. This self-catering option offers great value for money, We also have a Luxury Holiday Apartment at Hesketh Crescent. This Five Star Holiday Rental is superbly located being only a six or seven minute walk to The Little Theatre and is only a six or seven minute drive from The Princess Theatre. All of the apartments have free parking and free wifi.
For guests who prefer guest luxury guest accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis there is The Somerville (which is located immediately next door to The Bedford House Apartments.). The Somerville can offer standard double rooms as well as Junior Suites and Luxury Suites. The Somerville has a boutique hotel style and is graded at Five Star with an additional Gold Award. There is free guest parking and free wifi.
Whichever of the accommodation that guests choose, we are able to obtain tickets free of the usual booking fees. This means that guests will save at least £3.00 per ticket. That means interval drinks are effectively paid for!!!