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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 six theatres with one in Brixham, one in Paignton, one in Babbacombe and three 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 English Riviera Walking Festival. 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. 06/06/202621/06/2026
International Agatha Christie Festival

The programme can be viewed by carrying out a diary search via www.englishriviera.co.uk/whats-on and on The Agatha Christie Festival website www.iacf-uk.org. 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 10 days, packed with expert speakers and other features, the International Agatha Christie Festival will celebrate Agatha Christie and her astonishingly rich and diverse legacy.
1. 12/09/202620/09/2026
2. 11/09/202719/09/2027
Experience the Bay of Lights on the English Riviera

During winter, the English Riviera plays host to an exciting event: The Bay of Lights! Taking place throughout Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the whole Bay will come alive with a flurry of illuminated events.
English Riviera Airshow

The naturally inspiring sky of the English Riviera is ready to host the Bays flagship event. From Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May 2026, the skies above the Bay’s stunning natural amphitheatre will once again come alive with some of the world’s finest aviation displays. The airshow is completely free (although car parking passes can be purchased) and there are some great clifftop vantage sites across the Bay, as well as Paignton Green itself. If you are staying in Torquay, we would recommend perching up on Daddyhole Plain, while both Beacon Quay, Meadfoot Beach and Thatcher Point are also very popular.
1. 29/05/202631/05/2026

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The official tourism website for the English Riviera

This Official Tourism Website is managed by the English Riviera BID Company Ltd.

Company number 10237792

Registered address 5 Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, England, TQ2 5JG.

Telephone 01803 211211 enquiries@englishrivierabid.co.uk

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