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 which is currently ranked the Number One theatre in Devon on TripAdvisor and third amongst all theatres in the South West of England 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

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
3. 09/09/202817/09/2028
4. 08/09/202916/09/2029
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 English Riviera Airshow returns to Paignton seafront Friday 4th to Sunday 6th June, with tens of thousands of visitors expected to flock to Torbay for one of the region’s most spectacular weekends of the year. This year’s event promises a thrilling three-day programme, featuring a breathtaking line-up of world-class flying displays and a wide range of on-the-ground entertainment. With so much going on throughout the weekend and large crowds expected, people are encouraged to plan ahead so they can fully experience everything on offer and make the most of the celebration. The English Riviera Airshow is a collaborative effort supported by Torbay Council, the English Riviera BID Company, local businesses and organisations
1. 04/06/202706/06/2027

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