The Coastal Stage: Theatre by the Sea
Dawn Landes at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis
The stretch of coast and countryside spanning East Devon to West Dorset isn’t just rich in fossils and cream teas—it’s also home to some of the South West’s most characterful small theatres. From the cliff-top charm of Lyme Regis to the repertory tradition in Sidmouth, these towns offer a wonderfully diverse summer theatre scene.
Whether you’re a lover of live music, a family seeking sing-along fun, or a fan of classic stagecraft, the region’s theatres have something for you. Here’s a spotlight on what’s playing and why these venues deserve a place in your summer plans.
Lyme Regis – Marine Theatre
Perched just above the shoreline, the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis is a gem of the Jurassic Coast. With its heritage dating back to 1894, this wonderful venue hosts an eclectic mix of events that reflect both national touring productions and strong community roots.
What’s on this summer:
Expect everything from live music and stand-up comedy to Shakespeare, literary talks, and children’s theatre. A recent community-driven adaptation, A Midsummer Lyme’s Dream, reimagined Shakespeare through the lens of local stories—just one example of the theatre’s creative ambition.
Highlights this summer include:
Live music nights from folk to tribute bands
Family theatre including sing-alongs and storytelling
Local theatre companies performing classic and contemporary plays
Comedy and spoken word events
A full programme runs through the summer and into autumn, offering intimate performances in a historic setting. You might leave Lyme Regis with sand between your toes and a song in your heart!
For details, visit: marinetheatre.com
Seaton – The Gateway Theatre (Seaton Town Hall)
In the heart of this charming seaside town, the closest to The Old Bakehouse, is The Gateway Theatre—based in Seaton Town Hall. It’s a friendly, community-driven venue hosting an evolving calendar of events. While smaller in scale, it punches above its weight in variety.
What’s on this summer:
Drop in for a relaxed evening or stumble upon something surprising—perhaps a touring comedy night or a local history play. There’s an intimacy and warmth to performances here that feels distinctly coastal and community-based. Look out for:
Live tribute acts and local bands
Independent film screenings
Talks, exhibitions and cultural evenings
Seasonal and youth productions
For details, visit: gatewaytheatre.co.uk
Sidmouth – Manor Pavilion Theatre & Sidmouth Summer Play Festival
Few summer traditions match the enduring appeal of the Sidmouth Summer Play Festival, held at the Manor Pavilion Theatre. Now running for over 70 years, it’s the UK’s longest-standing repertory theatre season - a true cultural treasure.
What’s on this summer:
Running from late June to mid-September, the 2025 programme offers a packed rotation of plays, changing weekly. From comedies to murder mysteries, every production is freshly staged with professional actors and full sets—giving visitors a reason to return week after week.
2025 highlights include:
Neville’s Island (July 28 – Aug 1)
Dial M for Murder (Aug 11 – 16)
See How They Run (Aug 18 – 23)
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Sep 15 – 20)
With matinee and evening performances available, you can catch a play after a coastal walk or a cream tea. It’s classic theatre in a quintessential seaside setting.
For details of all events, visit: manorpavilion.com
Axminster – The Guildhall
Axminster’s Guildhall is a vibrant hub for live performance, community theatre, and musical showcases. At its heart is Axminster Musical Theatre (AMT), a local company with a reputation for ambitious and heartfelt productions.
This summer’s standout is Come From Away (June 18–22), a South West amateur theatre company premiere of the acclaimed West End musical, performed by AMT. It tells the remarkable true story of a small town’s hospitality after 9/11, and offers soaring music, emotional depth and community spirit.
Also on the Guildhall stage:
Sing-along screenings of Grease, Frozen, Wicked, The Lion King, and Wonka
Tribute acts: Including The Elvis & Orbison Experience and That’s So 90s
Comedy & drag cabaret, including Absolutely Dragulous (Aug 22)
With something happening almost every weekend, it’s the kind of venue where locals and visitors come together to celebrate creativity.