The Theatre
"The atmosphere in this place, you can't beat! Stay kind to it and treasure it all you can ... "Bruce Forsyth
Then...
Although bands had performed during the summer on the site where Babbacombe Theatre now stands, it wasn't until 1920 that a small bandstand was built. This was followed in 1935 by a larger structure with a canvas awning and although an improvement on the alfresco concerts the inevitable wind and rain did its worst, so in 1938 the BABBACOMBE DOWNS CONCERT HALL was built and it remained virtually unchanged for almost 50 years, until the present management took over in 1986 when improvements started to be made to enable more lavish productions to be staged.
...And Now
Recently refurbished the BABBACOMBE THEATRE, has been a valuable asset to the town for over seventy years having been renowned for wowing audiences with their highly acclaimed shows, most especially since 1986 when Matpro Limited took over the venue. This 2010 season is proving to be no exception with The LAUGHTER PARTY, a show packed with comedic moments, magical highlights, fancy footwork and memorable musical numbers with an array of talented artistes. Showing weekly from February to October-the longest running summer season in the country!!
Also appearing live on stage during 2010 are comedy Icons Stephen K Amos, Tim Vine, Jethro and Felix Dexter, award winning impressionist Joe Longthorne, other award winners, Richard Digance and Gyles Brandreth, children's favourites from Cbeebies, Show Me-Show Me, Chris & Pui, literary genius Gervase Phinn and the Tribute shows Thank you For the Music and Elvis Rocks to name just a few.
Having worked with some of the biggest names in the world of entertainment for over 30 years, producer Colin Matthews, now actively seeks out new and versatile performers for his productions which, together with his youth policy, has resulted in the discovery and development of young talent with success nationally and in the West End for many performers that have appeared in his shows.
For information on the young people who have gone on to perform on the West End and Internationally, click on the HALL OF FAME tag.
The venue with its extended season running from February to October, as well as the visiting shows providing early and late dates and the now regular Christmas Show the Babbacombe Theatre has productions running virtually throughout the year.
The theatre provides:
- • Access for the disabled with a disabled toilet.
- • Wheelchair spaces.
- • Loop system
- • Sundries, confectionery and soft drinks to buy
Enjoy a pre-show meal or drink in the interval or after the show at the Babbacombe Inn, literally across the road and only a 30 seconds walk. It is advisable to book prior to your visit to the theatre and if you redeem your voucher on your ticket holder against your pre show meal for two, you can get a free bottle of wine, to contact the Babbacombe Inn call on 01803 316200.
BABBACOMBE ALSO HAS MANY FINE PUBS AND RESTAURANTS THAT OFFER GREAT FOOD WITH A SOCIABLE ENVIRONMENT TO ENJOY A RELAXING DRINK. WE CAN HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING ESTABLISHMENTS: -
Churchill's, Cary Arms, Angels, The Downs Hotel, The Berkeley Hotel, Hanbury's Fish Restaurant renowned for their award Winning fish & Chips, the Oasis Bar at the Sefton Hotel, the Norcliffe Hotel's Patio Bar, The Old Coach House, The Buccaneer, the Cliff Railway Café, the Oddicombe Beach Café and finally The Old Coach House and The Buccaneer.
