Theatres in seaside resorts were traditionally known for their annual Summer Season consisting of light entertainment and family variety shows and Torquay was no exception.

In the past the Princess Theatre has staged summer shows from Joe Pasquale, Bradley Walsh, Ken Dodd, Danny La Rue and Jimmy Tarbuck.

Artists including Billy Ocean, Paloma Faith, Don McLean, Level 42, Squeeze (band) and Will Young have performed at the venue as part of their UK tours.

The theatre has become a favourite for large UK touring productions[citation needed] and has staged Chicago, The Play That Goes Wrong, We Will Rock You, The Cher Show and Six.

The theatre has its own on-site Café, Bar and Restaurant called Teatro, offering a daytime menu and pre-theatre dining which can be located on the marina side of the building.