Outdoor Theatre, Cinema & Music

Live Music

From popular tribute acts to laid-back jazz on the lawns, if you like live music you’ll find something for every musical taste in the English Riviera. Find a firm favourite or be inspired to listen to something new with our round-up of what’s on.

Swing along to bygone sounds

The jazz age is still swinging at the National Trust’s Coleton Fishacre. In summer enjoy the sweet sounds of jazz at concerts here. Or head over to Speakeasy at the Paignton Conservative Club for live jazz, blues and world music performances throughout the year.

Pubs with live music in Torbay

Beer and music go hand in hand, so if you want to relax with a pint as you listen, check out what’s on in a pub near you. Watch an AC-DC tribute band Gio’s in Paignton. Put on your dancing shoes for a stomp around to traditional Irish music at the Seamus O’Donnell pub on Victoria Parade in Torquay. Or sip real ale or classic cocktails at The Offshore Bar and Restaurant beside Torquay’s harbour. Here you can enjoy music from the three resident bands or other popular South West musicians performing all your favourites from the 1950’s to the present day. The Rock Garden in Torquay also has its own stage. And you’ll find local performers and tribute acts belting out popular classics from Motown to the latest hits.

Classical music concerts

If you’re looking for refined classical music, check out the programme of events at Torre Abbey. This beautiful venue in Torquay welcomes a wide variety of top performers for concerts throughout the year. Torbay is also just a few miles from Dartington. Here you can relax to the sounds of renowned artists performing at their International Summer School and Festival as well as catching classical music events throughout the year.

Open Air Theatre and Cinema

It’s your holiday so you deserve to treat yourself to a night on the town! Take advantage of the balmy summer’s evenings and enjoy a performance in the open-air. With the great selection of stand-up comedy acts, concerts, musicals, and children's shows, you’ll find there's something for everyone on stage at the English Riviera.

During the summer months, many of our local gardens open their gates to host high quality travelling theatre productions. Bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy some top-notch entertainment under the stars. Coleton Fishacre, Greenway, Torre Abbey and Cockington Court are all regular venues with their grounds providing a stunning backdrop to the performances.

At Torre Abbey, there are sometimes open-air cinema performances in the evenings, hosted in the beautiful surroundings of Torre Abbey Museum’s award-winning enclosed garden and ancient ruins! Take along fold up chairs and blankets to snuggle up under the stars.