Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog » Entertainment

Steve Laister and Friends at the Toorak Hotel

Nigel Beck — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:32:01 +0000

Steve Laister

With all this gloom and doom we deserve a chuckle or two. The unforgettable Steve Laister, winner of the national ‘Comedian of the Year’, is both talented as a singer and comedian. He will be entertaining the residents of Torquay with a full supporting cast at TLH Leisure Resort on Saturday 10^th March.

The cabaret dinner will be held at the stylish Toorak Hotel which is one of the four hotels on the seven-acre resort in Torquay. The three course dinner in the Abbey restaurant will be prepared by head chef Nick Coombes and combines all that’s best about Devon produce including the chef’s ‘To Die For’ homemade fudge.

The entertainment is in the intimate venue of the Arlington suite hosted by Steve Laister and joined by comedy magician Keith King, comedian Tank Sherman and the vocal talents of Zoe Harris.

If you’re looking for a ‘grown up’ night out why not enjoy a perfect mix of good food and wine, cabaret, comedy and magic at the Toorak Hotel?

Tickets available at £24.95pp from the Toorak Hotel on 01803 400400 or email toorakreception@tlh.co.uk

Steve Laister and Friends at the Toorak Hotel is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Rock and roll down to Torquay this summer!

Nigel Beck — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:20:48 +0000

Those of you who are lucky and perhaps old enough to have lived through the 60s will probably remember (with great affection) the era that shaped music for generations to come.

August in Torquay was historically a month of Rock & Roll, especially throughout the 60s. 1963 was a special summer here in Torquay; the music scene was just starting to erupt into something huge and the Princess Theatre became host to the epitome of 60s music – the Beatles. As you can imagine with the arrival of a band on the brink of worldwide stardom, this caused a great uproar of excitement in the area.

But it didn’t stop there. Torquay Town Hall also played host to some iconic acts during this Rock & Roll era. In August 1964 the Rolling Stones played and resided in the Bay for 5 days. In August of 1966, The Who also played to a full house of fans in the Town Hall. The band, who were idolised for their Mod style, could often be seen cruising along the sea front on their scooters whilst they were staying in Torquay!

This time honoured tradition has not been forgotten and for those who lived through the era themselves, or fans who simply have an admiration for the music, The Riviera International Centre is proud to be hosting Torquay’s first annual 60′s Music Festival. The 3 day weekend is being held over the August Bank Holiday on the 26th, 27th & 28th 2011.

August really is a time for Rock and Roll down in Torquay and with the Riviera International Centre being a mere stone’s throw away from our Toorak Hotel, why not take advantage of the bank holiday and make a small break of your 60’s weekend.

For more information on offers and availability click here or call reservations on 01803 400500.

For more information on Torquay’s 60’s Music Festival click here.

Rock and roll down to Torquay this summer! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

The Shelmerdine Family – 3 Generations of TLH Holidays

Vicky — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:04:36 +0000

Jack & Sheila, Darren & Terri and Kimblerley & Melissa Shelmerdine

At TLH we pride ourselves on providing the ultimate family holiday experience and nothing is more rewarding to us than seeing the many familiar faces of our guests returning year on year.

The Shelmerdine family is the epitome of the true family holiday experience. Jack & Sheila Shelmerdine and their two sons first stayed with us in 1981, initially attracted to the dancing on offer in the Victoria. However, it was their sons Darren and Ian who persuaded their Mum & Dad to keep coming back (they had previously never been to the same place twice before then) and subsequently have never missed a year since! Jack & Sheila always felt it important that the children were happy, then as a result the overall holiday would be more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.

The Shelmerdines originally hail from Manchester and their regular visits to TLH have become an integral part of their family tradition, with visits usually amounting to 2 or 3 a year, including a longer break in the summer (which usually ends up being extended!). When we asked Darren about the memories he had of coming here as a child, he stated that he remembers his trips to TLH as a youngster very fondly. Up until 1996 their grandmother, Mrs. Shelmerdine senior or otherwise known as Eleanor, also stayed with them and it was a family ritual to all meet in the reception at 11.45pm and walk down to the seafront for a midnight stroll along the beach.

Darren now has a family of his own with his wife Terri but this has not stopped that tradition of visiting TLH continuing. Along with their daughters Kimberley and Melissa, their visits now comprise of 3 generations of Shelmerdines, all of which continue to stay in the Derwent, as like Jack and Sheila they feel that that particular hotel offers a better atmosphere for their young children.

When we asked the Shelmerdines the inevitable question; ‘just what is it that has you all returning year on year?’ they came back with a unanimous answer. Firstly, not only do they love Torquay because there’s always something to do and see in the area, but fore mostly, they love TLH because there is so much on offer for all ages to enjoy, particularly the entertainment and leisure facilities – a pivotal draw for a family with ages ranging from 3 to 80 years old. They have nothing but praise for the staff that make them feel so welcome, the warm and friendly family atmosphere, and as Sheila particularly mentioned, how accommodating the hotel has always been with regard to her gluten free diet; “nothing is ever too much trouble.”

And of course as you would expect, the family have not only become well known and welcomed faces among the staff here, but they have also developed numerous friendships with the other families who also regularly return to TLH. They try to coincide holidays with them whenever they can, alongside the anniversaries, birthdays and family occasions that they celebrate here at TLH.

We hope this family tradition continues for generations to follow and look forward to welcoming the Shelmerdine family back very soon!

The Shelmerdine Family – 3 Generations of TLH Holidays is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Whatever the Weather!

Kazzy — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:23:02 +0000

Every morning when I wake up, after I have traipsed downstairs to grab my morning coffee, I crawl back into bed and slowly come back to life whilst watching the morning weather forecast, avidly waiting for news to break of that tropic heat wave we are all wishing for. I quash claims instantly that our Summer has prematurely been and gone; after all, the school holidays aren’t even officially underway yet! I would like to think that I am a relatively positive person and that my mood is not a by product of the weather (I am definitely not a sufferer of Seasonal Affective Disorder, let’s put it that way!) but let’s be honest; a little bit of sunshine always helps doesn’t it?

We are extremely lucky to be situated in the temperate English Riviera, where we more often than not experience warmer climates, however we are also very aware that even here in the South West we are occasionally partial to the brunt of the renowned English weather. But fear not, even in these climatically trying times there is no reason to let the weather control what you do, how you do it or when! We firmly believe that the weather should not affect the quality of your holiday with us at TLH Leisure Resort. We have devised a range of activities, along with our amazing leisure facilities, to guarantee all weather fun for all ages whilst you’re with us at our Torquay Hotel!

Here is just a snapshot of the amazing things you can expect during your time with us at TLH!

Aztec Falls Pool: you’ll be enchanted with our stunning indoor swimming pool complex.
Arena Games: 2000 sq ft of fun including 10 pin bowling, Nintendo Wii, Pool & Snooker, Arcade games and table tennis to name but a few.
Indoor bowls arena.
Year round entertainment: something for all tastes and ages including music and dancing each evening, together with our Entertainment Team Show and visiting cabaret acts.
Aztec Spa: Indulge yourself with our wide range of treatments and therapies to relax and refresh mind, body and soul.
Aztec Gym: providing the perfect environment for shaping up and working out. Apparatus includes the latest CV equipment with on-board TV monitors.
Aztec Studio: Shape up and keep fit with a whole range of classes including Yoga, Pilates, Nifty Fifties, Strike, Aqua Aerobics, Zumba and Kettlercise.

Aztec Active: A range of sporting, fitness and entertainment activities including Scuba diving, Aquajets & Snorkeling to name but a few.

That list is only a snapshot of everything we have in store for you here at TLH Leisure Resort in Torquay, there really is no excuse for dreary days regardless of whether the Sun has decided to stay behind the clouds for a day…

For details on special offers click here, or phone our reservations team on 01803 400500.

Whatever the Weather! is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Torquay’s Version of the ‘X Factor’

Vicky — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:22:16 +0000

Seen Britain’s Got Talent, X Factor, Stars In Their Eyes and thought ‘ I could do that’?!… Well here’s your chance to shine! If you have a talent of any kind, from singing and dancing to playing a musical instrument, performing magic tricks or making an audience laugh, then Alberts Bar Manager, Roger Heale, wants to hear from you. `The A Factor 2011’ Talent Competition begins with the first heat of up to six performers on Sunday 17th April in Alberts Bar, at the Victoria Hotel, Belgrave Road, Torquay, and it is still not too late to enter and become part of the experience!

There will be five heats, on Sunday evenings, on 24^th April, 1^st May, 8^th May, 15^th May and 22^nd May, so if you are free on any of those evenings and want to come down to Alberts Bar and perform then we would be delighted to see you. What else are you doing on a Sunday evening?! There will also be a Wild Card round on Sunday 29^th May, made up from the third-placed acts from the heats. The Semi-Finals will take place on Sunday 5^th June and Sunday 12^th June, with the Grand Final on Sunday 19^th June.

Come and see us soon!

All contestants must be 16 or over on the day that they perform and, apart from that, the stage is yours! There will be a total of £500 cash prize money with the winner getting £250, second place £100 and third place £75. There will also be £25 for each of the runners-up and a TLH Goodie Bag will be given to all of the finalists so what have you got to lose?

The winners of the heats will be judged by audience applause, so don’t forget to get all of your friends to come down to support you! The Semi-Finals and Final will be judged by a panel of entertainment experts.

Entry for the `The A Factor 2011’ is free and you can either call in to Alberts Bar for an entry form or e-mail Roger Heale at alberts@tlh.co.uk or call him on 01803 400115 leaving your contact details and an entry form will be sent to you.

We hope to see you and your friends at Alberts for `The A Factor 2011’ this year and to all those of you who enter we wish you the very best of luck!

Torquay’s Version of the ‘X Factor’ is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Beat the January blues with 2 for 1 dining at the Grosvenor Restaurant – Toorak Hotel, Torquay

Nigel Beck — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:52:37 +0000

So here we are, a New Year upon us! All the festive preparation is all over in a trice, the kids are back to school and before you know it it’s back to the old routine!

January can be a bit flat in all honesty, we’ve started the new diet and we’re back in the gym (the Aztec gym of course) so we could do with a little treat to inspire us to stick with it all!!!

Well the Toorak Hotel is back with its 2 for 1 dining offer which makes a very affordable treat indeed and a welcome respite from the New Year Diet and those grey skies.

For just £21.95 two of you can sample our 3 course daily menu offering some very tempting dishes prepared by our award winning Head Chef – Nick Coombes. Dine in the elegance of our Grosvenor Restaurant any evening -Sunday to Thursday- through to the end of February (subject to availability).

Make it a special night out without breaking the bank.
Go on… treat your other half I am sure they deserve it!!!

Click here for sample menu…

Beat the January blues with 2 for 1 dining at the Grosvenor Restaurant – Toorak Hotel, Torquay is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

New Year’s Eve Thoughts

Vicky — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:26:53 +0000

How will you be spending New Year’s Eve this year?

It’s the one celebration which seems to throw the most hardened partygoers into a flat spin. Where is the best party, who else is going, what shall I wear?

The pressure to have the most memorable party ever gets to some people, who either get hopelessly drunk and miserable or decide to give the whole thing a miss and stay in, with only Jools Holland for company.

My own New Year’s Eve celebrations have been eventful in the past, from a fancy dress disaster (I’m sure it said ‘fancy dress on the invite?!) to an episode of instant food poisoning after a meal out. More often than not there have been arguments, tears and dreadful hangovers the next day. And nobody ever knows what they are doing until the very last minute. A case of waiting for a better offer – after all it is the most important party of the year – it would be disastrous to have accepted the invitation to a sophisticated dinner party while elsewhere other friends are playing Twister and dancing on the coffee table!

Last year we held our own party but the stress of waiting to see if anyone would actually turn up was too much and once again, you guessed it, there were arguments, tears and a dreadful hangover the next day!

So enough is enough and this year I’m looking to someone else to do all the work. I may book a table in the Aztec Bistro at TLH Leisure Resort, where for just £39.95 a head I’ll be able to enjoy a lovely meal and join the live entertainment and disco afterwards in the Starlight Lounge. It sounds like a great way to see in the New Year with a group of friends and the menu looks delicious. Take a look here New Years Eve menu.

Whatever you decide to do, enjoy it and for goodness sake double check before turning up in fancy dress!

New Year’s Eve Thoughts is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

FANG-tastic halloween & Christmas prep at TLH Leisure Resort

Zoe — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:30:48 +0000

Hi guys, how was your half term??

Ours has been brilliant! We had a FANG-tastic halloween for which we’d been busy rehearsing a one-off performance show called ‘Spooky Spectacular’ for our spooky weekend. The team thoroughly enjoyed doing this once again all singing, all dancing performance. It opened with a very menacing slide show and included a light show and creepy music and zombies waking from the graveyard that we built on stage (we very much enjoyed being horrible zombies). The choreography for our opening number ‘Thriller’, we felt would even have left a good impression on Michael Jackson himself, and was a team effort choreographed by all of us as well as MJ.

If you have been to see our show this weekend please make sure you tweet or leave a comment, and we’d love for you to send us your photos, it’s great to find out what people liked about our shows.

So what now… now that the kids have all gone home and back to school and its quiet again?! Well the halloween decs have come down and the christmas tree has gone up, last night we had our first Christmas carols, its now Turkey and Tinsel time at TLH, and rehearsals begin now for our Christmas show too.

I’m must go and crack the rehearsal whip with the rest of the Team now, if you are coming at crimbo then we will see you very soon, only about 7 weeks til Christmas!

We look forward to seeing you all.

Zoe xx

FANG-tastic halloween & Christmas prep at TLH Leisure Resort is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

Entertainment Team Show is a Big Hit

Zoe — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:48:47 +0000

Thanks to everyone who came along to see our Summer Show this year - it went down a storm. The TLH Entertainment Team and I really enjoyed ourselves performing in front of such fantastic audiences. Thanks too, to the Nadeem family who took some brilliant photographs – here are just a few for you to enjoy.

We hope to see you all again soon – and in the meantime think of us as we start rehearsals for this year’s Christmas showtime!

Cheers – Zoe & the Team

Get Ready For Motown & Big on Broadway

Entertainment Team Show is a Big Hit is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog

New member joins the Entertainment Team

Zoe — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:03:06 +0000

Hi guys,

New team member, Wendy

Just popping in to update you on some fabulous news about the team here at TLH Leisure Resort - we have a new team member, Wendy Reynolds who hales from the Wirral in Chester, near Liverpool. Wendy joins us as a dancer to take the place of Gemma.

She has many years experience in this type of business having been working for many years with companies such as Haven Holidays, Warner Holidays, Park Dean Park Resorts and many many more. Wendy is a fab dancer and you will see her in our TLH team shows very very soon, as we are busily rehearsing her into them. She is an excellent presenter too and has been an entertainment manager herself for many years, but has decided to get back on the stage to perform rather organising others…. that’s still my job! It’s really nice to have some new blood on the team and the rest of the guys are very keen and excited to both work and learn from Wendy and vice versa. So welcome to the team, Wendy bird!

Well that’s it from me for now; Summer is nearly over – just another week left and then it’s back to normal, and I guess I had better start rehearsals for our new Christmas show……got any ideas???????

Byeee Z xx

PS: Don’t forget to get in touch with us and let us know what you thought of our new show.

New member joins the Entertainment Team is a post from: Torquay and Devon Holiday Blog