Theatre & Comedy

The English Riviera is a place of beauty and mystery, with a rich history and culture that spans centuries. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there are lots of great events to check out in the area.

Theatre and comedy shows are two of the most popular types of events on the English Riviera. There's something for everyone: if you want to see a play or musical, there's no shortage of options; if you want to laugh until your sides hurt, there are plenty of comedy shows to choose from as well.

From the award-winning Palace Theatre to the intimate Little Theatre, there's something for every taste and budget. There are plenty of comedic artists and household names who regularly visit including Jack Dee, Katherine Ryan, Jason Manford, Stephen K Amos, Sandi Toksvig, Nish Kumar, Josh Widdecombe, Milton Jones, Dawn French, Jon Richardson and many more!

The Bay also has a huge choice of glamorous shows, concerts, plays, musicals, ballets and comedies offering you top West End performances and the best of local am-dram. There are no fewer than five theatres with one in Brixham, one in Paignton, one in Babbacombe and two in Torquay including the Princess Theatre which attracts the very best of the national touring shows.

So whether you're looking for a laugh or a touching drama, you'll find it in one of this area's many theatres and clubs.

Featured Events

Featured

English Riviera Walking Festival

Pack your rucksacks, fill your flasks, dig out your walking boots and join us at the inaugural English Riviera Walking Festival between Sat 15th to Sat 22nd October, 2022. Whether you’re a regular hiker, or an infrequent stroller, this new family and dog friendly festival will appeal to walkers of all abilities who enjoy exploring the Great Outdoors. Designed and hosted by an enthusiastic team of professional local guides and enthusiastic volunteers we have created an eclectic selection of half
1. 15th Oct 202222nd Oct 2022
2022 Platinum Jubilee

The English Riviera will be the place to be during the historic weekend marking Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee! There’s plenty happening in Torbay during the bank holiday in June.
English Riviera Airshow

English Riviera Airshow, Paignton Green, 11am – 6pm. The airshow will deliver an action-packed flying programme on both Saturday and Sunday, with a selection of cutting edge and beautiful vintage aircraft taking to the skies. Highlights over the weekend include The Red Arrows, The Blades, Vortex, Chinook, Yakolevs, Tigers and The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire). For the full programme and timings, visit the airshow website or purchase a souvenir programme. The Event Village will feature air display team stands where visitors can meet the pilots, and local and national traders offering everything from artwork and books to toys and furniture, family activities, a fairground, food stalls and bars.
1. 4th June 20225th June 2022
England's Seafood FEAST

England’s Seafood FEAST England’s Seafood Coast will play host to a feast for all the senses. For 2 weeks you will be able to immerse yourself in England’s Seafood FEAST (view the programme will be available here), eating some of the best seafood in the world and experiencing the very best the English Riviera has to offer. The heart of things Brixham Fish Market is at the heart of England’s Seafood Coast. It’s a good place to start your own personal Feast – take an early-morning tour of the market and learn about the new online auction, followed by breakfast at Mitch Tonks’ Rockfish Restaurant next door. This truly unique experience gives a new perspective on the fish on your plate – it is hugely popular so booking in advance
1. 30th Sept 20229th Oct 2022
International Agatha Christie Festival

The 2022 festival will take place on 10th – 17th September. Agatha Christie is Torquay's most well-known resident and the best selling author of all time. Every year Torquay celebrates the life and work of its most famous resident with a Festival, supported by the Arts Council of England, and this year is no exception. Over 7 days, packed with expert speakers and other features, the International Agatha Chrisite Festival will celebrate Agatha Christie and her astonishingly rich and diverse legacy. Later this year, full details of the festival and fringe events, and how to buy tickets will be published on the festival website: www.iacf-uk.org and announced on social media: @AgathaFestival. All images © Agatha Christie Archive Trust.
1. 10th Sept 202217th Sept 2022
Paignton Festival

Paignton Festival is run by a small team of dedicated volunteers, who rely solely off donations from the public and local businesses and traders. Without financial support from them they would be unable to put on this successful event every year.
1. 23rd July 202231st July 2022