The Palace Theatre’s programme of daytime talks resumes in the new year with an entertaining and light-hearted illustrated, virtual tour of Torbay by local historian, Dr Kevin Dixon on Thursday 11 January, 10.30am.

‘Our monthly day time talks continue to be popular, bringing people together to socialise, make new friends and enjoy a hot drink in the theatre café bar. And we are delighted to be launching our 2024 season, with a line-up including speakers, presenters and authors delivering fascinating talks on a wide range of topics from local history, fundraising walks to the Alexander Technique’ said Sarah Hemingway, Marketing and PR Executive at the Palace Theatre ‘it’s great to welcome Kevin back to the theatre and to have such a well-known name to start our 2024 season’.

Kevin is the author of the book ‘Torquay. A Social History’, and he regularly contributes to community social media sites, The Point – Tormohun and Undiscovered Torbay, providing local facts and fascinating stories about the area.  Ahead of his talk at the Palace, he says: “As we travel around South Devon, we come across many names of our towns, villages, rivers, and the streets where we live. Some of these names go back hundreds or even thousands of years. Many have obvious explanations; others have hidden stories to tell.  All give us a glimpse of our Celtic, Saxon, Medieval, Victorian, and more recent past. To discover these places, we all know so well, do join us at the Palace Theatre on this virtual tour of Torbay and beyond!”. 

Place Names: A Torbay Tour is an hour-long talk, open to anyone with an interest in local history and the origins of town names such as Brixham, Paignton, Torquay, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot. Included in the ticket price is a cup of tea or coffee, and an opportunity to meet other likeminded folk. For further information and to book a ticket please visit our webpage or call the box office on 01803 665800 (normal opening hours, weekdays 11am-3pm).