The Palace Theatre Paignton

Write Time, Write Place: a ten Week Creative Writing Course
2026-09-16 10:15 - 12:30, 2026-09-23 10:15 - 12:30, 2026-09-30 10:15 - 12:30, 2026-10-07 10:15 - 12:30, 2026-10-14 10:15 - 12:30, 2026-10-21 10:15 - 12:30, 2026-10-28 10:15 - 12:30 (Europe/London) | The Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3HF, United Kingdom
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 of writing who would welcome guidance, encouragement and feedback. Chris has created and taught many courses and workshops in the subject for over thirty years. Sessions will include sharing work, discussion, writing exercises and suggested topics and will be supported with some taught elements and printed handouts, designed to extend skills and knowledge.
Whether you are a short story writer, a poet, a teller of anecdotes, want to write your memoirs or novels or just want to explore different forms of creative writing you will be made very welcome.
Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance. £120 per person to attend all ten classes.

An Audience at the Palace - Agatha Christie's Greenway, International Agatha Christie Festival
2026-09-17 10:30 - 11:30
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 stories behind the sweeping views of the River Dart, wander through the lush gardens in your imagination, and explore the charming nursery that inspired elements of her writing.
This fascinating talk offers a rare glimpse into the private retreat of the world’s best-selling mystery writer. Whether you’re a devoted Christie fan or simply love local history, this talk promises a morning rich with insight, atmosphere and storytelling.
Monthly talks with interesting folk on fabulous subjects. It’s a time to socialise, discuss and learn lots of fascinating things.
Ticket price includes a cup of tea/coffee. Buy 6 talks over the year and get 1 free!

The Festival Players present Agatha Christie’s Verdict
2026-09-17 19:30 - 22:00
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 producer Dr Julius Green, author of Agatha Christie: A Life in Theatre.
Following the success of the Festival’s 2023 reading of Christie’s long-lost adaptation of Towards Zero, the cast once again brings together professional actors and local amateur performers, reflecting the Festival’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and celebrating theatre-making at every level.

About Verdict
Staged at the height of her West End popularity, it was an unexpected flop – largely because its producer, Peter Saunders, had insisted on a title that made it sound like a courtroom drama follow-up to the hugely successful Witness for the Prosecution. And partly because, disastrously, the curtain came down a beat too early on opening night, radically changing the ending.
Christie herself observed that it was “a play which, though not a success with the public, satisfied me completely. It was put on under the title of Verdict – a bad title. I had called it No Fields of Amaranth, taken from the words of Walter Landor’s “there are no fields of Amaranth on this side of the grave”. I think it is the best play I have written, with the exception of Witness for the Prosecution. It failed, I think, because it was not a detective story or a thriller. It was a play that concerned murder, but its real background and point was that an idealist is always dangerous, a possible destroyer of those who love him – and it poses the question of how far you can sacrifice not yourself, but those you love, to what you believe in, even though they do not.”
The play has fascinating resonances with Christie’s own life and interests, not least its referencing of opera, recorded extracts of which will be heard throughout.
Despite the inclusion of a murder, which is committed in plain sight and with no doubt as to the identity of the murderer, and a brief appearance by a police Detective Inspector who arrests the wrong person, Verdict is an intriguing insight into the playwright that Christie might have been had she not succumbed to the constant pressure to deliver work for the stage befitting the “Queen of Crime”. It is the third in a trio of domestic dramas for the stage, following The Lie (c.1926) and A Daughter’s a Daughter (1956), which have been the subject of previous readings at the Festival. “A good and unusual Agatha Christie – not a thriller” remarked the censor on his report.
The presentation will be a costumed, seated reading directed and introduced by theatre producer Dr Julius Green, author of Agatha Christie – A Life in Theatre. As with 2023’s hugely successful reading of Christie’s lost adaptation of Towards Zero, the cast will be a mix of professionals and local amateurs, underlining the Festival’s continued commitment to community engagement.
For more information, visit www.agathachristiefestival.com
Thursday 17 September | 7.30pm

Psychic Sally
2026-09-18 19:30 - 21:30
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 from her hit TV series, through watching her on Celebrity Big Brother or reading one of her best-selling books, there is nothing quite like seeing Sally live on stage.
Sally explains: “My tour has become a way of life for me, as I’m getting older my abilities as a medium are stronger than ever, so to be able to pass messages on to the audiences around the country is a huge privilege, as well as a pleasure. I call every message validated a ‘wonder moment’. So take your seats, relax, be open minded and ready to come forward if you think the message is for you.”
With Sally’s love, laughter and warmth, this show is a unique evening not to be missed. Book your tickets now to see this phenomenal psychic in action.

The show is investigational and for the purpose of entertainment.

Murder Mystery Afternoon Tea - International Agatha Christie Festival.
2026-09-19 14:00 - 16:30
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 available. Sadly we cannot offer gluten free afternoon teas.

Paignton Comedy Club: Paul Chowdhry and special guests
2026-09-19 19:30 - 21:30
Chuckl. Paignton with headliner Paul Chowdhry & special guests
We’re bringing Chuckl. back to Paignton for a huge night of live stand-up, headlined by the brilliant Paul Chowdhry.
One of the UK’s top-selling live acts, Paul is a multi-award-winning comedian known for his sharp delivery and huge crowd moments. As seen on Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, The Cleaner, Devils and Disney’s Cruella. Expect fast punchlines, bold comedy, and the kind of set that has the whole room howling.
Plus, special guests will be announced soon.

Book your tickets early to secure the best seats in the house. This is one you won’t want to miss!
Please note the line-up may be subject to change. For full T&Cs, please visit Chuckl.’s terms and conditions page.

Trap for a Lonely Man
2026-09-22 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-09-23 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-09-24 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-09-25 19:30 - 21:30
Experience a heart-pounding psychological thriller set in a remote chalet in the French Alps. When Daniel Corban reports his wife’s mysterious disappearance, a young priest reveals that she’s alive and regretting her departure. But when Daniel’s wife unexpectedly returns, he’s horrified to find she’s not who she claims to be. As witnesses affirm the woman’s identity, Daniel spirals into a nightmarish conspiracy where even the police doubt his sanity. With a fortune at stake, deception lurks around every corner.
Who can he trust? The tension builds to a breathtaking climax in this gripping tale of truth and betrayal. Don’t miss it.

This amateur production of Trap for a Lonely Man is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

The Ultimate Commitments and Blues Brothers Experience
2026-09-26 19:30 - 21:30
Coming to our stage in 2026. Two shows in one night from two cult musical comedy films!
Described as ‘absolutely amazing’ and ‘truly authentic’ and featuring a full LIVE band, The Ultimate Commitments and Blues Brothers Experience relives the story lines of both classic films and all the fantastic music of The Commitments and The Blues Brothers. This is a show of two halves – Dublin Soul meets Chicago Blues.
This big-band style experience is packed full with iconic scenes, laughs, crazy dance moves and the authentic sounds of soul, rhythm, blues, and even a little country and western music.
With audio-visual displays and some of the best R&B musicians in the UK – this will be a night to truly remember!

Richard Alcock of EJB Promotions said “We have a jam-packed show ready to entertain you including The Commitments hits Try A Little Tenderness and Mustang Sally to Blues Brothers classics Soulman, Gimme Some Loving and Everybody – plus a whole lot of humour in between!”

Stage Left Vibes: Cold Beer, Chilli and Comedy with Dave Scott
2026-09-26 19:30 - 21:30
Expect a night of side-splitting fun at Stage Left! Dave Scott has been performing stand-up since late 2021 and quickly became one of the Southwest circuit’s most popular comedians, known for his effortless charm, quick wit, and self-deprecating humour.
Funny, honest, and sharply observant, Dave’s latest solo show, You End Up Where You’re Meant To Be, offers a deeply personal. and universally relatable, exploration of mortality, middle age, mental health, loss, friendship, and love. It’s comedy with heart: laugh-out-loud moments intertwined with stories that linger long after the punchline lands. Dave will be joined by some incredible support acts.
Ticket price includes a delicious chilli and a glass of cold beer!

Join Us for Stage Left Vibes! Stage Left has been really busy for private events but now we invite you to get ready to step into an unforgettable experience at Stage Left, where a vibrant world of entertainment awaits.
There’s comedy, dance, live music, and fun-filled games nights; perfect for a night out with friends. All Stage Left Vibes events will have a bar and a night-club vibe.

The Three Musketeers
2026-10-02 19:30 - 21:30
Prepare for a hilarious and uproarious family farce penned by James Barry. This theatrical re-telling of The Three Musketeers is packed with laughter, lively audience participation, and plenty of energetically silly performances.
The story centres around a small troupe of performers gearing up for their highly anticipated debut performance of The Three Musketeers. However, as the curtains rise, all is not as it seems. What starts as a simple theatrical endeavour quickly unravels into a whirlwind of confusion, mayhem, and comical mishaps. From forgotten lines to chaotic set changes, the actors find themselves entangled in a series of laugh-out-loud blunders, much to the delight of the audience.
This delightfully entertaining production is brimming with wit, slapstick humour, and a dose of good-natured silliness that will keep you on the edge of your seat, laughing from start to finish.
Early Bird Tickets Available

The Forbidden Realm of Conspiracies: Uncovered
2026-10-08 19:30 - 22:00
The Forbidden Realm of Conspiracies: Uncovered is a bold, immersive theatre experience that pulls you deep into the world of conspiracy theories, hidden narratives, and forbidden questions – brought to life with cinematic visuals, powerful sound, and live audience moments.
This isn’t a lecture. And it isn’t here to tell you what to believe. It’s an experience designed to unsettle certainty, challenge perception, and make you question how easily belief is shaped. Explore some of the most talked-about ideas of our time – from media narratives and power structures to memory, perception, and pandemic-era debates. These are the topics dominating TikTok, podcasts, and online discussion worldwide – now transformed into a gripping live event.
But… THIS IS RISKY. These are the kinds of ideas people avoid in polite conversation. The kinds of questions that make rooms go quiet. But here, they’re brought into the open – not to give you answers, but to let you experience the discomfort, the doubt, and the uncertainty for yourself. Through striking visuals, immersive sound, and a tense, atmospheric journey, you’ll be drawn into an experience that feels intimate, unsettling, and impossible to ignore. Many audience members describe leaving in silence… still thinking.
Early Bird Tickets Available. This is not a show everyone will be comfortable with – and that’s exactly the point.
Brand new for 2026.
Step inside.
And decide for yourself
Age restriction 16+.

Go West - We Close Our Eyes... And Other Stories: An Intimate Evening with singer, Peter Cox
2026-10-09 19:30 - 22:00
Go West – We Close Our Eyes… And Other Stories
An Intimate Evening with singer, Peter Cox
Go West arrived on the charts like a comet. With classic hits like We Close Our Eyes, Call Me, Faithful, and King of Wishful Thinking, which featured on the Julia Roberts hit film, Pretty Woman, lead singer Peter Cox became an instant pin-up. A BRIT Award nomination followed as the band received platinum and gold discs for a recording career that spanned four decades.
And now singer Peter Cox is looking back on that stellar career. In his intimate show, he’ll revisit the hits while looking back on featuring in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky soundtrack, scoring a double-platinum debut album, teaming up with Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley and, more recently, selling out London Palladium, as well featuring at multiple Rewind festivals.

Tickets: £30 standard | £45 premium (best seats and goody bag) | £75 MnG (front row, pre-show MnG with photo/autograph, goody bag). Meet and Greet arrive at 1730.

Laundry
2026-10-11 19:30 - 22:00
4 characters, 4 stories
Laundry is written by the Palace Theatre’s resident creative writing teacher Chris Woodhouse. It comprises four monologues, linked by various activities associated with doing the laundry. Edna, Bernard, Terence and Bettina are all busy with the task in hand but what are they thinking about? These characters do not know each other and have completely different tales to tell but there is more that links them than it seems. It probably isn’t wise to wash your dirty linen in public!
Internal narrators take mortal form in this first ever production of newly written drama, Laundry. They air the stories of Edna, Bernard, Terence and Bettina as each character is busy managing various aspects of their laundry. They may be simply ironing, sorting or sewing on a button or two but are innocent, everyday activities the sole preserve of blameless, ordinary people? It seems not. Secrets, sorrows, flaws and failings all come out in the wash as these four stories unfold and although the clothes might end up clean, none of these characters comes out whiter than white.
Chris Woodhouse has been teaching literature based and creative writing courses to adults for some thirty five years but although she has written a fair amount of fiction it is rarely shared. This monologue series, Laundry, is an exciting, if nerve wracking, return venture into the world of theatre and its production carries with it a sense of throwing caution to the winds. Time is ticking. None of us is getting any younger. Why not risk sharing a few tall tales?

An Audience at the Palace - the Cove Discovery Project, Inspiring Ocean Guardians for the future
2026-10-15 10:30 - 11:30
The Cove Discovery Project is committed to advancing marine conservation and community education across Torbay and South Devon
Come and hear Chris Thomas – Director of the Cove Discovery Project CIC talk about the work they do to help look after and protect the region’s unique marine wildlife. From monitoring local seal populations to restoring vital ecosystems and habitat restoration, each initiative supports a healthier, more resilient coastline.
At its heart, the project exists to nurture curiosity, spark connection and empower people of all ages to take a positive action for the future of our seas.
Monthly talks with interesting folk on fabulous subjects. It’s a time to socialise, discuss and learn lots of fascinating things.
Ticket price includes a cup of tea/coffee. Buy 6 talks over the year and get 1 free!

Swing from Paris
2026-10-16 19:30 - 21:30
Back on our stage in 2026! Swing from Paris are an all-string jazz quartet of violin (Fenner Curtis), guitars (Andy Bowen and Sam Hughes) and double bass (Tomasz Williams), inspired by the music of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s: from the cafés and cabarets of Montmartre to Artie Shaw, Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the master of tango Astor Piazzolla.
The group’s Parisian-flavoured jazz and vintage swing has been delighting audiences for almost 20 years: from major jazz festivals including the Django Reinhardt Festival at Samois-sur-Seine, to being invited to perform at the French Ambassador’s residence for Bastille Day.
Early Bird Tickets Available

In the press:
★ ★ ★ ★ “intelligent, interesting and inventive” THE JAZZ MANN
“excellent band…diverse numbers, smart arrangements” JAZZ JOURNAL
Audience comments:
“when they are playing, you simply can’t get the smile off your face. Would go again and again and again” “Fabulous musicians, fabulous arrangements. Can’t recommend enough!”

Rock for Heroes
2026-10-17 19:30 - 22:00
Classic rock anthems, incredible musicians, sensational vocalists and a ROCKTACULAR experience; with a lot of laughs thrown in! All the ingredients that make up the phenomenal, ‘Rock for Heroes’! Performed by a superb 7-piece band, the show breathes new life into the music of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Dire Straits, Fleetwood Mac, Queen and more! You’d be ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ if you miss it! A show for all the family and a must see for any rock fan! Experience an evening that will awaken nostalgia, have you laughing till your sides hurt and ROCKIN’ the night away!
So, Jump at your chance to get your tickets today! Let ‘Rock for Heroes’ take you back that Summer of ’69 and join us for the BIGGEST celebration of the Heroes of Rock!
EARLY BIRD tickets available.

Tits Up
2026-10-24 19:30 - 21:00
Three women. Three lives. One fight!
Tina is a devoted mother, Rachel, a career driven businesswoman and Rosie a rebellious young spirit. They couldn’t be more different. But when breast cancer brings them together, they find strength, laughter and resilience in the most unlikely of places Oncology Outpatients!!
‘Tits Up’ is a powerfully funny and deeply moving play about life, choices and the bonds that get us through the rollercoaster of emotions felt by anyone who has ever travelled this road.
Starring Crissy Rock – Leah Bell – Alison Stanley – Rosie Fox
Duration 90 minutes – no interval.

Frozen The Musical
2026-10-27 19:00 - 21:15, 2026-10-28 14:00 - 16:15, 2026-10-28 19:00 - 21:15, 2026-10-29 19:00 - 21:15
TOPS Musical Productions are proud to present the South West Premiere of Disney’s Frozen.
For the first time in forever, experience this musical phenomenon and meet these magical characters in the Kingdom of Arendelle! Full of magic, humour, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love.
