Jazz Hands CIC

07/09/2026

04/09/2026

The Ultimate Commitments & Blues Brothers Experience - https://mailchi.mp/palacetheatrepaignton/we-will-rock-you-17991300-17997059

02/08/2026

18/06/2026

🎉 Exciting News from Jazz Hands CIC! 🎭

We’re thrilled to announce the addition of four new board members for Jazz Hands CIC at the Palace Theatre in Paignton!

Their diverse backgrounds in public, private, and cultural sectors will help us focus on sustainability, partnership development and community engagement.

🌟 Meet Our New Board Members:

Claire Gibson: Expert in economic development and sustainability with over 25 years of experience. Committed to creating long-term value for our community.

Jo Loosemore: Broadcaster and curator with a passion for history and theatre. Known for producing impactful radio dramas and exhibitions.

Ian Piper CBE: Former Chief Executive with 40 years in housing and regeneration, dedicated to community development in Devon.

In addition, we’re making important changes to our management team: Deirdre Makepeace is retiring from her operational role to join the board as Director of Finance. Her eight years as Commercial Director have been invaluable, and her strategic insights will be crucial for our future. Maureen McAllister will step into the role of Chief Executive, marking a new chapter for our organisation.

Chair Colin Spencer Halsey shares, “These new appointments bring fresh perspectives as we expand our ambitions. Deirdre’s transition to a strategic role, especially in her retirement years, highlights her dedication to a business she was instrumental in creating and nurturing to its current success.”

We’re excited about the future and can’t wait to share more with you! 🎉✨

03/06/2026

We're delighted to welcome Emily H***e as our new Venue Manager. And she's looking forward to meeting our fantastic customers and performers.

Emily has extensive experience with venue management, programming and the performing arts, she first worked in London at Blackheath Concert Halls, Trinity Laban Conservatoire and the Royal Opera House, before moving back to Devon to run the Music Summer School and Festival for the Dartington Trust. She later held the role of Creative Director at Dartington for 3 years

Emily said 'I’m really pleased to be joining the team at the Palace Theatre Paignton. It’s the first theatre I attended as a child coming to see the Pantomime Dick Wittington many moons ago. I grew up in Devon, and I’m delighted to now be back in the arts sector, coming into the Palace Theatre feels very familiar, and I’m enjoying getting to know the wonderful team and looking forward to getting my head around everything it takes to make the place run as smoothly as it does!

I can already see there’s so much more to the theatre than the main auditorium programme, its value as a community space, for meetings, events, talks and providing a home for Doorstep Arts.

And joining the theatre just as TOADS Stage Musical Company > Torquay take to the stage with We Will Rock You, and Bijou Theatre Paignton start their 9 week Agatha Christie run the following week feels like perfect timing'