The Wise and Their Works celebrates the 175th anniversary of the Great Exhibition in 2026. The men who inspired the Great Exhibition of 1851 - Henry Cole, Sir Robert Peel and above all Prince Albert himself - were at the centre of an extraordinary combination of manufacturing, commercial skill and political vision which made Victorian […]
Roger McGough – Alive and Gigging Roger McGough is probably our greatest and certainly most popular living poet. A true original, he first came to prominence in the 1960s, as one of the leading members of the ‘Liverpool poets’ (he was a contemporary of the Beatles). He subsequently developed into one of the countries most […]
Lesley Pearse A life lived to the full Lesley Pearse lives in Torquay and is a British novelist with global sales of over 10 million copies. She is easily, after Agatha Christie, the most successful writer to have lived in Torbay in the past two centuries. However, Lesley did not start her writing career until […]
Helen Lederer ‘ The third funniest woman in the world’ – Dawn French Helen Lederer is one of the most recognisable female comics on television. From ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ to ‘Bottom’ she has can offer insights into the world of comedy like almost no-one else. Her autobiography ‘Not That I’m Bitter’ tells the story of Helen’s […]
Iwan Carrington – Clean in 15 Iwan Carrington (a.k.a Mr Carrington) is a presenter and Youtuber, probably best known as the cleaning guru on award winning BBC series ‘Sort Your Life Out’, co-presented with Stacey Solomon. If you want to know anything about housecleaning, home organisation, and design, Iwan is your man. His book ‘Clean […]
Hunter Davies – The Beatles and Me Hunter Davies is not only one of our most accomplished journalists, and author of more than 100 books, but also the only person to have been approved, by Brain Epstein, to write a biography of the Beatles. A friend of all the fab four, he will discuss this […]
Georgia Toffolo – The World According to Toff Georgia Toffolo is adored by millions. The British television personality, entrepreneur, Sunday Times bestselling author, and broadcaster is known for her personality and undeniable charisma. Georgia started her career in television and won over the nation’s hearts when she was crowned Queen of the Jungle on ITV's […]
Hunter Davies’ Beatles Quiz Join the Beatles only authorised biographer for a unique quiz on the greatest ever band. With unique prizes and equally unique insider stories, come and have some fun, and see how much of a fan you really are. This event is strictly limited to just 120 people. More information at www.torbayliteraryfestival.co.uk […]
Andrew Wilson – the enduring mystery of Marilyn Monroe Andrew Wilson’s new book, ‘I Wanna Be Loved By You’ is a groundbreaking new biography of the enduring enigmatic star that is Marilyn Monroe. Featuring a wealth of unpublished material, it presents the actress in a startling new light as well as exploring the many theories […]
Mike Pickering Manchester Must Dance Mike Pickering is one of the greatest musical pioneers to emerge from Manchester. A superstar DJ - he introduced House music into the legendary Hacienda nightclub, and while working for Factory records signed bands likes James and Happy Mondays and worked with Kasabian, and Calvin Harris while at Sony. He […]
Craig Brown – Satirist, humourist and biographer ... also featuring A.N. Wilson and Dame Harriet Walter Best known for his four decades of satirical writing, most regularly since 1989, in his parodic Private Eye Diaries, Craig Brown is also an award-winning biographer. His biographies of Princess Margaret (Ma’am Darling); Queen Elizabeth II (A Voyage Around […]
Dame Harriet Walter – in Conversation Dame Harriet Walter is one of our most acclaimed actresses, both on screen and stage. Perhaps best known, most recently, for roles in hit TV shows such as ‘Succession’, ‘Ted Lasso’, ‘The Crown’ and ‘Killing Eve’; she is even more celebrated for her stage roles including leading roles with […]
Stairway to the Stars – The Search for the UK's Next Big Talent returns to the Palace Theatre for the 3rd year Get ready for an unforgettable evening of entertainment as Stairway to the Stars brings together some of the most talented performers from across the UK to compete for the title of champion. From powerhouse vocalists […]
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND IN 2026! Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of one of the biggest bands in music history. VIVA LA VIDA – The Greatest Hits of Coldplay is a stunning live concert tribute that brings to life the energy, emotion, and anthems of Coldplay’s incredible 25 year career. This high-demand show […]
WALLEN and COMBS – Two Modern Country Icons... One Spectacular Live Concert! Get ready for a night of pure country magic as Wallen and Combs brings the biggest hits of Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs to the stage in one epic tribute show. From Wallen’s anthems like Last Night, Whiskey Glasses and Sand In My […]
Stairway to the Stars – The Search for the UK's Next Big Talent returns to the Palace Theatre for the 3rd year Get ready for an unforgettable evening of entertainment as Stairway to the Stars brings together some of the most talented performers from across the UK to compete for the title of champion. From powerhouse vocalists […]
Bringing the 80s back to our stage in 2026! Back on the road for its third year, The 80s Mixtape is bringing the ultimate 80s night out to the Palace Theatre. Get ready to take a nostalgic journey through the most iconic music of the 1980s! From pop hits and power ballads to rock anthems, […]
Murder Mystery Afternoon Tea - An afternoon of treats and intrigue! Join Moonstone Theatre Company to help them solve a mystery, whilst enjoying a fabulous afternoon tea experience, held in Stage Left. Tickets include a delicious afternoon tea served in Stage Left. Saturday 12 September and 19 September, 2pm to 4pm Vegan and Vegetarian options […]
Back on our stage in 2026! For this show, The All Seasons are joined by their fabulous live band making for an authentic and exciting experience from start to finish. The show is 100% live from vocals to instruments! Crammed with singalong hits, The All Seasons is a West End experience. Young, vibrant and talented; […]
Cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote returns to Torquay with an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode “Paint Me a Murder”. Jessica Fletcher visits an artist friend on a remote island hideaway, but soon there’s a murder that only JB (or you!) can solve! Creator Tim Benzie is delighted to bring Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote back to the International […]
Book now for this fantastic ten week creative writing course which runs from 16 September to 18 November (every Wednesday) This ten-week course with Chris Woodhouse is an opportunity for those who enjoy creative writing to have fun sharing work, ideas and motivation. It is suitable for beginners as well as those with some experience […]
Step into the world of Agatha Christie with local historian John Risdon, as he brings the magic of Greenway to life. Join John for a captivating journey through Agatha’s years at her beloved holiday home – from the moment she first set eyes on the property, to her life there as Mrs Max Mallowan. Discover […]
The Festival Players present Agatha Christie’s Verdict As part of this year’s Agatha Christie Festival, audiences are invited to experience a rare performance of Agatha Christie’s Verdict (1958) - an extraordinary original stage drama that has never been adapted for film, television, or radio. Presented as a costumed, seated reading, the production is directed and introduced by theatre […]
Back on our stage in 2026. The nation’s favourite psychic is back on tour! Sally has been wowing theatre audiences young and old around the world for over 12 years. Her show will have you on the edge of your seat, as she continues to bring mediumship into the 21st century. Whether you know her […]
