BLOG: THEATRE SHOWS TO SEE IN SOUTH DEVON THIS EASTER
- Neill Kovacic-Clarke
- Apr 9
- 8 min read
THEATRE SHOWS TO SEE IN SOUTH DEVON THIS EASTER
There's no denying that glorious beaches and beautiful countryside are a big draw to South Devon, especially when the seasons change and the kids are on their Easter holidays.
But there's so much more on offer here and with a plethora of venues, why not grab some culture and head to see a show? There's a great selection of productions for all the family to enjoy.
Here's my top picks of What's On in South Devon this Easter.
Theatre Royal Plymouth
Wednesday 9th - Saturday 12th April
Presented by Birmingham Royal Ballet, this enchanting fairytale is a glorious celebration of ballet.
Step into the magical world of CINDERELLA, where Fairy Godmothers triumph over cruel stepmothers, pumpkins turn into sparkling carriages and a jewelled slipper changes one young woman’s life forever. This timeless story of love, courage and kindness reminds us all to have faith in our wildest dreams; one day they might just come true.
Praised by audiences and critics alike, former Company Director David Bintley’s CINDERELLA is a sure-fire mix of wonderful dance, spectacular scenery, and a cast of characters that include mice, lizards and even a dancing frog – something to capture every imagination.
Princess Theatre, Torquay
Friday 11th - Saturday 12th April
When a traditional production of Oscar Wilde’s classic play gets underway, everything seems to be going perfectly to plan… that is, until the lead actor fails to arrive on cue and an actual audience member is chosen to star in the show.
What follows is a madcap medley of impromptu games and spontaneous solutions as the desperate director does his best to keep this faithful production going. But with stage whiskey being swapped, off-the-cuff auditions being held and muffins being eaten (no matter what state they’re in), there’s just no telling what this unique version of The Importance of Being Earnest is going to throw up. Especially when more audience members are drafted in to replace an ever-thinning cast… With the script ripped up and rewritten, can the show reach its fabulous finale, just as Oscar Wilde intended?
This one-of-a-kind comedy sensation is completely different, completely chaotic, and completely Wilde every single night. And who knows, you might even become a star yourself! Guaranteed to have you laughing whether you’re sitting in the audience… or performing onstage …EARNEST? is perfect for fans of The Play That Goes Wrong and Noises Off!
Palace Theatre, Paignton
Tuesday 15th April
Are you ready for a BRAND NEW ADVENTURE with DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE? When a satellite tasked with controlling the island’s weather systems malfunctions, chaos erupts.
The island’s tropical climate spirals leading to one big JURASSIC STORM. If not stopped, it will erase all existence of the island… forever!
The mission: find the code hidden deep within the island, reboot the satellite and save the Dinosaurs before it’s too late.
The adventure of a lifetime awaits… bring the family on a T-REX-IFFIC journey with our BRAND NEW dinosaurs, meet their ROAR-SOME babies and help the rangers save the Island. Are you brave enough to face the Jurassic Storm!
Show times 2pm and 4:30pm.
Barbican Theatre, Plymouth
Friday 11th - Saturday 12th April
By Hugh Janes
Freely adapted from Thomas Heywood
It is 1599 and Bess Bridges is the finest barmaid in Plymouth. She and Spencer are in love but following a duel he has to flee abroad. Concerned for Spencer’s safety, Bess sails after him - just as the Spanish are aiming their guns at England again.
This rollicking, high-spirited adventure is full of songs, fun, villainous sea captains and love.
Suitable for families.
Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay
Saturday 19th April
Direct from the West End - the Ultimate tribute to Neil Diamond.
From London’s Adelphi Theatre. . . head to Torbay's Babbacombe Theatre for that night out you have been dreaming of! Enjoy all the hits 'Forever In Blue Jeans', 'America', 'Love On The Rocks', 'Song Sung Blue', 'Hello Again', 'Cracklin’ Rosie', 'Beautiful Noise' and, of course, 'Sweet Caroline'.
The good times never seemed so good!
“The closest thing to the real deal, live”
London Theatre Reviews
Theatre Royal Plymouth
Wednesday 9th - Saturday 19th April
Visit the incredible world of Stuff and Nonsense.
“Who will help me plant these grains of wheat?”
“Not I” said the Pig.
“Not I” said the Rat.
“Not I” said the Cow.
“Fair enough,” said the Little Red Hen, “I’ll do it myself!”
Making bread is hard work, but it would be a lot easier if the lazy farmyard animals got off their reclining sofas and lent a hand! Join our plucky little hen as she finds her own way to get stuff done.
An energetic adaptation of this much-loved story, featuring a breath-taking combination of brilliant puppetry, live music and unforgettable comedy.
“Truly one of the best performances I have seen. Fully enjoyed by all 3 generations.” Stuff and Nonsense Audience Member
Stuff and Nonsense are well-known for their clever, captivating storytelling, ingenious stagings and ability to make us all laugh. One of the UK’s most well-loved companies, they are pioneers in creating shows with and for families, and Director Niki McCretton leads the way in using child-centred collaboration to create our shows, putting children at the heart.
Invest in your children’s imaginations: share the magic of live theatre and take playfulness home with you!
Suitable for all the family (recommended for ages 3-10).
Show times 11am and 3pm
Princess Theatre, Torquay
Sunday 20th April
The 2021 Strictly champion and BAFTA winner will be taking to the stage once again with his company of world class performers.
Giovanni, the Italian maestro of dance, takes centre stage in THE LAST DANCE, a mesmerising production that transcends the boundaries of live performance.
With a career rooted in passion, dedication, and unparalleled artistry, Giovanni has become a household name, captivating audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances and unmatched charisma.
Don’t miss Giovanni’s THE LAST DANCE at Torquay's seafront theatre.
Theatre Royal Plymouth
Tuesday 15th - Saturday 19th April
Today is going to be a good day. And here’s why…
Meet Evan: an anxious high school kid who wants nothing more than to fit in. The thing is, on his way to fitting in, he didn’t tell the whole truth. And now must give up on a life he never dreamt he’d have. As events spiral and the truth comes out, Evan faces a reckoning with himself and everyone around him.
Packed with some of the biggest musical theatre songs of the last decade, DEAR EVAN HANSEN has a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Oscar-winning composers for The Greatest Showman), book by Steven Levenson and more awards than can be listed here. Well ok, we’ll mention a few: its Tony® Award for Best Musical, Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theatre Score…no big deal but the list goes on!
With direction by Adam Penford (Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse), this brand-new production marks the first time that the Broadway and West End phenomenon will tour the UK & Ireland. So wherever you are, #YouWillBeFound, with the DEAR EVAN HANSEN tour.
Palace Theatre, Paignton
Wednesday 16th April
Experience the best in soap bubble entertainment.
Join Ray, International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, and help him in his quest to complete the bubble game and make the ultimate bubble. This is a fast paced show full of high energy and surprises as Ray uses various different gases to create incredible bubble sculptures, effects and magical displays.
Watch in amazement as Ray creates a volcano bubble, a soap bubble carousel, a bubble ghost and even a tornado inside a bubble!
Join Ray and see if he can make THE ULTIMATE SQUARE BUBBLE.
Book now for this unique, family friendly, spectacular show that will appeal to all audiences.
Show times 2:30pm and 5pm
Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay
Monday 21st April
Once upon a time, in the land of fairytales, Chester the Castle Jester has muddled up all invitations to The Royal Ball.
Join him as he goes on an adventure to meet Cinderella at The Royal Castle, The Little Mermaid Under The Sea, Princess Rapunzel in the Tallest Tower, Belle in her little bookshop in Paris and The Snow Queen in the freezing village of Snowydale to deliver all the invitations by hand to make they all make it to The Enchanted Princess Ball.
This Royal Princess Extravaganza is a fast paced, high energy and engaging musical toe tapping adventure that is perfect for the whole family featuring stunning sets, sparkling costumes and lots of songs, dance, laughs and audience participation!
Shows at 1pm and 4:30pm
The Quad Theatre, Plymouth
Friday 11th April
I tried to keep this list to 10 shows but no roundup of what to see in South Devon would be complete without mentioning Joey The Lips. Having spent my teens in Plymouth, I've seen this band perform more than a few times in the past!
"Encores were jaw-dropping, with totally unexpected showmanship and flair that you rarely see these days. Go see them. You won't be disappointed"
South West Gig Guide
"Joey The Lips are a big funky outfit making a joyous sound in the true spirit of funk & soul - great entertainment!"
Snake Davis - M People
It's now more than 30 years on the road during which the band has played throughout the UK and Europe across a huge variety of venues. From TV chat shows to headlining to a 10,000+ audience at music festivals. This year the band has supported Sam Ryder, Toploader & Stereo M/C's amongst others, and in recent years have supported Bob Geldof & The Boomtown Rats, Will Young, UB40, Gabrielle, The Hoosiers, Bananarama, Toyah, Boney M, Scouting For Girls, Heaven 17 & The Real Thing. Also performing at the British Formula 1 Grand Prix Silverstone as well as at celebrity weddings, notably Eamonn Holmes & Ruth Langsford.
The band originally formed in 1993 and hasn't stood still since! Always a 10-piece, and with fresh young talent joining the band over the years to stay energetic and relevant, notably in 2018/19 with a new vocal line-up, and more recently consummate frontman Jimmy Alderson returned to the line-up having previously been in the band for 12 years prior to leaving to work on new projects in 2016. Back in the day when the original band was formed they were soon booked for a spot on tour with American soul legend Edwin Starr followed by release of a debut album Soul Fiction in 1997. In 2000 the band performed a Live medley on national BBC1 with Atomic Kitten & Martine McCutcheon for Children in Need and the following year were booked as resident band on ITV's Langsford Late TV show - a series of eight chat shows with Ruth Langsford. In between, the band performed and recorded a promotional video for the BBC on the set of Noel Edmonds House Party at BBC Television Centre, London, and finished work on a number of projects including a recording of Midnight Hour with another American soulster Geno Washington.
Interested in any of the shows above? Simply click on the title highlighted in yellow to book tickets.
Neill Kovacic Clarke
All details in this article are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
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