Babbacombe Theatre

Boasting the longest running summer season in the country the credibility of this venue reaches out across theatre land, and it is right here in a small corner of the English Riviera. To see for yourself what is on offer at the Babbacombe Theatre contact the Box Office - 01803 328385.

History

Although bands had performed during the summer on the site where Babbacombe Theatre now stands it was not 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 for the alfresco concerts the inevitable wind and rain did its' worst, so in 1938 the Babbacombe Downs Concert Hall as built, it remained virtually unchanged for 50 years. The present management, Matpro Limited, took over in 1986 when improvements started to enable productions to be staged.

The very first concert  at the venue was on the afternoon of 27th May 1939, with the Ernest Goss Municipal Orchestra and BBC baritone John Steabben, followed that evening by the opening night of the first summer show Cabaret Revels. However, with the advent of World War 2 it was not long before entertainment had to give away to more important uses and the auditorium became a lecture hall for the RAF.

Since the war the theatre has run many successful summer shows and it has the reputation of hosting household names on the threshold of their career, including Bruce Forsyth. Others include, David Nixon, Ted Rogers, Ray Allen, Norman Vaughan and Roy Hudd.

Three years ago Bruce Forsyth stunned audiences when he made a surprise guest appearance, whilst filming a television documentary for ITV. He said of his visit whilst posing for the press photographers after his stage appearance, "Right now I am full of nostalgia because 46 years ago I appeared here in summer season. The atmosphere in this place, you can't beat it. Stay kind to it and treasure it all you can". He went onto say "Although this is only a 600 seat auditorium, it has  a better atmosphere than the London Palladium".

Set amongst the picturesque setting on the Babbacombe Downs it really does have something to offer all the family with such shows this year as Sooty and Friends, Val Doonican and Mike Reid as well as the hugely successful Matpro Limited's production of Hooked on Laughter.