Babbacombe Theatre

There has been a tradition of concerts and entertainments on the site of the present Babbacombe Theatre since Victorian times and in 1920 a roofed bandstand was built. This was replaced by the present Babbacombe Downs Concert Hall which was built in order to extend the season for musical concerts. Opened in 1939, it was equipped for outside broadcasting. During the war, the auditorium became a lecture hall for air crew trainees, as well as being used for ENSA shows and RAF Flying Training Command Band Concerts.

The building is very plain, of brick and timber, single storey, resembling a cinema, on a small grass down on top of the cliffs. The foyer is small and austere. The auditorium is raked, with excellent sightlines, and the ridged plaster is reminiscent of a cinema. Seating 604, it is popular amongst entertainers, possibly because of the atmosphere, and the comfortable stage (although wing space is extremely limited), but more probably because of the strong tradition of good shows and broadcasts, following its popularity during the war.

It is well-maintained and well run, being one of the few summer theatres to stay live all year. It is privately owned, and leased to the local authority.