Princess Theatre is South Devon’s largest theatre, enjoying a spectacular seafront location overlooking Torquay Marina and the English Riviera. First opened on 7 June 1961 with Tommy Cooper and Morecambe & Wise topping the bill, the venue underwent a £750,000 refurbishment in Spring 2024, with new auditorium seating, carpets and upgraded front of house areas.
With a seating capacity of 1,514 across Stalls and Circle, the theatre hosts West End touring productions, comedy, concerts, ballet, opera and the annual Christmas pantomime. The Beatles famously performed here in 1963, and the venue continues to welcome the biggest names in entertainment.
Before You Arrive
Box Office & Doors
The Box Office opens 90 minutes before the performance. Doors to the theatre also open 90 minutes before curtain up, and you can usually take your seats around 30 minutes before the show begins.
The glass walls of the foyer offer stunning views over Princess Pier and Torquay Harbour – it’s worth arriving early to enjoy a drink and take in the scenery before the show.
Security
Bag checks may be in operation. ATG recommends leaving extra time to avoid queues, and asks that you avoid bringing suitcases, rucksacks or large bags into the theatre. There is no cloakroom, so bring bags and coats small enough to take into the auditorium.
Age Restrictions
Age guidance varies by show – check when booking. As a general rule, children under 2 (babes in arms) are not admitted unless the show is specifically aimed at young children. Children aged 2-15 require their own ticket. Accompanying adults may be asked to remove any noisy children.
Finding Your Seat
The Auditorium
The theatre has two levels: Stalls (ground floor, around 1,072 seats) and Circle (upper level, around 420 seats).
Stalls: Accessed from the main foyer through two sets of double doors. The seating slopes gently down towards the stage with no steps. The modern design means views are excellent throughout, with no pillars to obstruct your sightline. Best value seats are often in the rear Stalls, while premium seats are front-centre. Rows C-H often offer the best overall views.
Circle: Reached by lift or 22 steps from the foyer to the Circle Bar, then 11 steps to a centre gangway. From there, 6 steps down to the front row or 5 steps up to the back row. Front Circle offers excellent value for large-scale productions. Row G has extra legroom.
Legroom
For extra legroom in the Stalls, choose the front row, seats V36 or V42, or any aisle seat. In the Circle, Row G offers the most space.
Accessibility
Getting In
The main entrance has 6 steps up from street level, with handrails. Alternatively, a ramp is located to the far right of the entrance (near Teatro café-bar), providing level access to the rear of the Stalls.
The Box Office has automatic doors (operated by pressing the red button on the wall) and a hearing loop. The counter is 90cm high with a lower writing shelf in the middle.
Wheelchair Access
There are 4 wheelchair spaces in the Stalls for customers who need to remain in their wheelchair during the performance:
- Stalls Row T, seat 40 (companion seat at T42)
- Stalls Row T, seat 39 (companion seat at V36, behind)
- Stalls Row T, seat 38 (companion seat at T36)
Wheelchair users who prefer to transfer can request an aisle seat – the venue recommends seats nearest the Stalls entrance. Wheelchairs can be stored in the foyer area. There is no cloakroom, so if you remain in your wheelchair it must stay with you.
The Circle is accessed by stairs, so the venue advises patrons with mobility issues to choose Stalls seating. A customer lift is available to reach the Circle bar and seating.
Discounted tickets are available for access patrons and one companion. Book in advance by calling 0333 009 5399.
Access Parking
Designated access parking spaces with a dropped kerb are located close to the theatre entrance.
Hearing Assistance
An infra-red (Sennheiser) hearing system is available. Collect a headset from the sweet kiosk in the foyer for a refundable £5 deposit. Recommended seats for hearing system users are Stalls Row F, seats 14-17.
Note: The hearing loop does not cover Stalls Rows A, B and C (all seats) or Circle Rows G-K (seats 1-6/7 and 35-41).
Visual Impairment
Seats in the front Stalls are set aside for partially sighted patrons (exact locations may vary by production). Audio described performances and touch tours are available for selected shows – check when booking.
Accessible Toilets
Fully accessible toilets are located:
- Through the fire exit from the Stalls wheelchair spaces
- From the main foyer through double doors to Teatro café-bar
Assistance Dogs
Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre.
Access Performances
Audio described, captioned, BSL interpreted and relaxed performances are scheduled for selected shows. The annual pantomime typically includes an audio described performance. Check ATG’s Assisted Performances page when booking.
Food & Drink
Teatro
The theatre’s own café, bar and restaurant is linked to the main building and has spectacular views across Torquay Marina. Open on performance days, Teatro serves:
- Breakfast and day menu from 10am
- Pre-show hand-rolled sourdough pizzas
- Kids’ menu
- Mezze platters and salads
Teatro is fully accessible to wheelchair users. It can also be hired for private events – email torquay@atg.co.uk for enquiries.
Theatre Bars
Bars are available on both Stalls and Circle levels, opening when the theatre opens (90 minutes before the performance). They serve wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and snacks before the show and during the interval.
Delivered at Seat
Skip the queues by ordering drinks and snacks directly to your seat. Look for QR codes posted around the theatre, or order online on the day of your performance.
At-Seat Service
Access patrons who cannot reach the bars can request an at-seat service.
Getting Here
Address
Princess Theatre
Torbay Road
Torquay
TQ2 5EZ
By Car
The closest car parks are:
- Fleet Walk (TQ2 5EA) – multi-storey, closest option
- Shedden Hill (TQ2 5TY) – 10-15 minute walk
Limited on-street parking is available on Torbay Road directly outside the theatre, but fills quickly. See our parking guide for full details including prices and disabled parking.
By Train
Torquay station is served by GWR and CrossCountry, with frequent services towards Exeter St David’s and the wider South West network. The station is on the seafront, about a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from the theatre.
By Bus
Bus stops on Torbay Road are approximately 3 minutes’ walk from the theatre. The number 12 bus serves the area throughout the day. Check the Stagecoach app or website for timetables.
Nearby
Princess Theatre’s seafront location puts you in the heart of Torquay’s attractions:
- Restaurants: The harbour area has excellent dining options – see our restaurant guide
- Torquay Harbour: Just a short walk along the seafront
- Torre Abbey: Historic house and gardens between the theatre and station
- English Riviera Wheel: Big wheel with panoramic views over Torbay
- Princess Gardens: The seafront park the theatre was built for
- Adventure Golf: Between the theatre and train station
The ATG Help Centre is available Monday-Saturday 9am-8pm and Sunday 11am-8pm.