Let's Have A PARTY
It was bright, it was brash, it was brilliant and it was breathtaking. It’s the first time I’ would have given a theatre review SIX stars, but FIVE is our limit! And if you don’t believe me, go and see for yourself!
From the very first note, the very first kick, the very first gag, you just know you are in for something special. And it doesn’t disappoint.
Funnyman Steve Laister was host of the party. And like all hosts he was the centre of attention. But unlike most parties, it was his guests who also stole the show.
Three sensational singers, including one making her solo debut; one comedy vocalist on top form, and six stunning dancers, were in mesmerising form. And with Steve Laister threading his comedy genius throughout the two-and-a-quarter hours, you never had time to catch your breath.
In fact, the only time I stopped smiling…was when I was laughing.
Singer Lorna Amy Sullivan has a brilliant voice. Enough said. But she is also a superb dancer and an exceptional musical comic. In fact, she and Steve Laister tour the country with their own magical mix of music and comedy called ‘The Lorna and Laister Show’.
And their chemistry lights up the stage.
Starring for the second time at Babbacombe, crooner Gaz Hocking has the looks and the versatility to take him all round the world. In fact, that’s exactly what he did before settling in Torbay in 2023 after a career wowing the discerning cruise clientele. Power ballads, love songs, and rock & roll – he can handle anything.
But the real surprise of the night was Aimee Evans, making her debut as a featured vocalist. And what a future this young lady has.
Look out for her duet with Dean Winters near the end of the show – incredible poise and power and as close to perfection as you’ll ever see from a debutant.
Which brings me on to the diminutive dynamo Dean. You’ve heard the one about the Englishman, the Irishman, the Welshman and the Scotsman? Well he plays all four – bringing tears to your eyes with his comic songs and dances – especially those from his schoolboy pal Andrew Lloyd McWebber!
On stage for most of the show are the tireless, peerless, fearless dancers known as Danze Chique who make Pan’s People look like the Wombles.
Brilliantly, producer-director Colin Matthews has put together a pool of 10 incomparable dancers with six featuring in each show. Believe me, it’s worth going twice just to see them all!
Tap, ballet, modern, Irish. They tackle the lot.
They have the wow factor. But for the ‘aah’ factor you can’t beat Kidz and Co. They are, well, kids! But not just ordinary kids. They sing, they dance, and the steal your hearts.
Grown-ups will know that the last thing you need at a party are kids. They should be seen and not heard, and preferably hidden up in their bedrooms for the duration of the party. BUT NOT THIS LOT!
I defy anyone not to fall in love with these adorable, talented children. And I defy anyone to find a summer show with more polish, more fun and more razz-a-ma-tazz than this one.
As the song says: ‘Let’s get this party started…’
__________________________________________________
SOUTH DEVON RADIO PRESENTERS’ REVIEW
‘Let’s Have a Party’, they said, and what a party it was.
Babbacombe Theatre’s party extravaganza, running weekly until mid-October 2025, is a real crowd-pleaser packed with singing, music, dancing and hilarious laughs along the way.
The show’s host Steve Laister threw himself heart and soul into the various hats he wore throughout the show, showing both his professionalism and versatility, but more so his love for performing and taking the audience on a merry journey with him.
Dean Winters as Uncle Albert from Only Fools and Horses was proper cushty in the nostalgic TV theme tunes song act, and he showed us how dancing in a kilt should be done.
Cabaret veteran Gaz Hocking brought a polished performance to the stage and his winning smile and great voice captivated the audience throughout the show.
Lorna Amy Sullivan showed the true meaning of versality, and her performance evidenced the years of experience she has in the business. Aimee Evans has an incredible voice, and her faultless renditions made a great impression in this, her debut summer show at the Babbacombe Theatre.
Dance troupe Danze Chique, expertly choreographed by the very talented Lucy O’Neill, lit up the stage with dazzling costumes and lively dance routines and the audience enthusiastically showed their appreciation of the team of young performers, Kidz & Co. who embraced their opportunity to perform.
If you’re looking for an inspiring and uplifting evening out then ‘Let’s Have A Party’ at Babbacombe Theatre won’t disappoint.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
It is a 5 STAR review! AFTER OPENING NIGHT it was so good to read the first TripAdvisor Review, THANK YOU Julie H
"Just luv this little Theatre".
Wow! We have just watched the first night of "Lets have a party " What can we say ? A Brilliant Show , we are regular visitors to your theatre ,and this year's show is another winner. From the very talented Steve,to the cute Kidz and everyone in-between, Well done to you all, (a special mention to Gaz), We liked you last year, we loved you this year!
We will definitely be back a few times more for rest of the year, with friends and family, You can't beat live theatre, so well done to you all at Babbacombe.
__________________________________________________________
THANK YOU TOO, to Janet M who reviewed us on TripAdvisor also *****
Went to see Let’s Have A Party last night. This was their first night and we had a ball. Very entertaining and very professional would recommend this to anyone.
____________________________________________________________
The first Google review. THANK YOU Ridge Roader-***** 19/02/25
Have just got back from a fantastic evening at the Babbacombe Theatre where we were treated to a first-class package of entertainment. Some hilarious jokes, brilliant song and dance routines, and marvellous sketches. Thank you.
______________________________________________________________
Emma Cooper RECOMMENDED us on FaceBook "Absolutely amazing, we had such a good night! It really made our holiday 11/10".
Book Tickets
