Spend a festive break on The English Riviera this year and you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a seasonal theatre show or yuletide event. Across Devon’s Beautiful Bay there are an impressive 5 top theatres showcasing some of the very best talent in a variety of Christmas-themed shows, many with family-friendly performances. From toe-tapping one-night shows to longer showstopping runs during the season, there’s plenty to keep all the family entertained.
Babbacombe Theatre
There’s plenty of sparkle and Christmas cheer at Babbacombe Theatre with Wonderful Christmastime, an alternative to the usual pantomime. This entertaining variety show is packed with a talent cast of regular headliners delivering rib-tickling comedy, stunning choreography and enchanting seasonal songs from popular musicals including Aladdin and classic tunes by favourites such as Mariah Carey and Tom Jones.
Princess Theatre
Start the festivities early with a dazzling performance of The Nutcracker by Vienna Festival Ballet at Princess Theatre on 6th November 2019. The Nutcracker is one of the most famous classical ballets performed at Christmastime with a traditional tale, memorable music and enchanting characters including the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King. Christmas gets in to full swing with panto season and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which runs from 13th December 2019 to 5th January 2020. There’s an impressive cast of well-known TV celebrities including X Factor star and local talent, Luke Friend and Hollyoaks actor Marcus Patrick. This really is one of the fairest pantomimes of them all with popular songs, dance routines and fantastic characters in dazzling costumes.
Palace Theatre
The much-acclaimed Paignton Pantomime Productions has been wowing audiences at Palace Theatre Paignton since the 1930’s. They return again to the English Riviera’s oldest working theatre with their latest production of Sleeping Beauty from 21st December 2019 to 5th January 2019. The cast is made up of local personalities and dedicated residents who work hard throughout the year to present an entertaining Christmas showcase to new and returning visitors to the English Riviera. Santa’s Elves and the Shoemaker, written by CBBC TV writer and author, Ian Billings is on 30th November 2019 and 1st December 2019 and is ideal for ages 2 years and above.
The Little Theatre
The Little Theatre, housed within a converted church in the leafy district of Meadfoot, Torquay has the perfect pre-Christmas entertainer with TOADS seasonal production of Babe the Sheep Pig. Opening on 9th December with some matinee and evening performances running until 14th December 2019. Packed with comedy, drama, music and puppetry this is the perfect winter warmer for all ages. Whilst Words 4 Voices, a celebration of Christmas in words and music on 16th December 2019 promises an entertaining evening with poems, readings and carols.
Other venues
There’s plenty of onsite entertainment on offer at a number of top English Riviera hotels this year. The Grand, Torquay gets into the swing of things with a Michael Buble Christmas Tribute Night on 29th November 2019 and a Moulin Rouge Christmas Show on 5th December 2019, both with a delicious 3-course festive dinner. Enjoy a Twixmas Break at Hoburne Devon Bay, Paignton with wine and dine in Brasserie 1912 with live entertainment or a festive mid-week break at TLH Leisure Resort where Christmas and New Year party treats await.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to an extra special Christmas present this season, with a relaxing break on the English Riviera with all the trimmings. You can be assured of a warm welcome, cosy settings and a packed programme of yuletide fun and frolics. Whatever your taste and preference during the festive season you can be sure that we’ve got it all wrapped up ready for you!