Sold-out International Women’s Day event shines spotlight on Palace Theatre revival

Paignton’s Palace Theatre is joining celebrations for International Women’s Day 2026 by sharing the story of its women-led revival.

The theatre has been managed by Jazz Hands Community Interest Company since 2018. Its Operations Director, Maureen McAllister, will be one of the speakers at a Torbay Council Economic Development Team event taking place at the venue on 6 March.

The day will celebrate women’s achievements with a programme focused on inspiration, empowerment and impact. This year’s national International Women’s Day theme, #GivetoGain, encourages generosity and collaboration between women.

Maureen said: “International Women’s Day will give us a great opportunity to celebrate the successes that Women in Torbay have achieved. I’m particularly looking forward to sharing the Jazz Hands story, centre stage, in my own theatre.

"It’s really relevant to be talking on IWD representing an organisation with a strong team, the majority of whom are women. We have a fantastic team that work together and foster an environment of support and empathy.

"We’ve recently benefited from a mentoring and business development programme and it’s been a revelation to meet so many inspirational women in partner organisations; we’ve not only learned from them but we have been extremely well supported by them.”

Jazz Hands was set up in 2018 by Maureen McAllister and Deirdre Makepeace after the Palace Theatre was threatened with closure. They were joined by a third director, Colin Spencer Halsey, and together have grown the business, increasing ticket sales, expanding the range of shows and events, and building a larger team of staff and volunteers.

Theatre Commercial Director Deirdre Makepeace said: “As we reflect on eight years at the Palace I feel we can be very proud of everything we have achieved here. Our careers in tourism and marketing made us well-placed to take on the challenge and I am pleased to say that we have had incredible support from across the community. Our ambition for the future is as sharp as ever so… watch this space!”

International Women’s Day falls on 8 March, with the Torbay celebration taking place on 6 March. Tickets for the event have already sold out.