Babbacombe Theatre

A valuable asset to the English Riviera the Babbacombe Theatre in Torquay, is renowned for wowing audiences with their highly acclaimed family variety shows, performed with professional casts, throughout the year.

‘Fabulous’ is the word most used in reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, and the venues social media pages for their annual seasonal shows, staged from February to January. Albeit one of Devon’s top theatres (as rated by TripAdvisor), also plays host to quality touring shows throughout the year

The traditional venue with heart and history

Although bands had performed during the summer on the site where Babbacombe Theatre now stands, since the 1920’s it wasn't until 1938 that the BABBACOMBE DOWNS CONCERT HALL was built.

The very first concert was staged on the afternoon of 27th May 1939 with the Earnest Gross Municipal Orchestra and BBC Baritone John Steabben, followed that evening by the opening night of the first summer show, Cabaret Revels with tickets at 3/-, 2/- and 6d. The first Sunday concert on 4th June was broadcast live on BBC radio.

With the advent of World War II, it was not long before entertainment had to give way to more important uses and the auditorium became a lecture hall for the air crew trainees of the RAF. After which the theatre hosted many years of successful summer shows and built a reputation for hosting household names on the threshold of their careers, including Bruce Forsyth, David Nixon, Ted Rogers, Ray Allen, Norman Vaughan and Roy Hudd.

Variety & Comedy remains the top of the bill

Since 1986 when Matpro Limited took over the venue, the theatre has been the recipient of umpteen awards. These include TripAdvisor’s Award of Excellence, Hall of Fame, and the Travellers Choice- Best of the Best Award, therefore you can feel confident that a night at the Babbacombe Theatre will deliver on the ENTERTAINMENT factor!

Recently along with their own productions, the Babbacombe boards have been graced by many iconic performers, including, Jason Manford, Jim Davidson, David Baddiel, Tim Vine, Merrill Osmond, Simon Brodkin (Lee Nelson), G4, America’s Got Talent finalist in 2022, Emilio Santoro, BGT Finalist, Ben Nickless and Steve Hewlett as well as several casts’ members from the All Star Drag TV show, to name just a few!

The venues strong team promises to keep on doing what they enjoy doing best and that is to, ENTERTAIN you!

Make it a night to remember!

Arrive a little earlier than you need to, you’ll understand why when you get there, the location boasts the most remarkable views and idyllic situation. Or why not take advantage of one of the host of eateries just across the road from the venue?

Whether you have sat and watched the world go by over Lyme Bay, or tucked into a delicious preshow meal as you meander into the theatre to enjoy the show of your choice, feeling content, expect a warm welcome as you take your seat in the intimate 600-seater auditorium, where the stage is never far away