A Marple-ous Garden Party

For our main Saturday evening event, we are hosting an evening drinks party in the stunning walled gardens at Torre Abbey. There will be a welcome glass of Pol Roger Champagne (or a sparking non-alcoholic alternative), live jazz music and a mystery to solve. We are also thrilled to be welcoming Annette Badland, whose acting CV is simply spectacular (see below). She will be reading Miss Marple Tells a Story, with a special introduction by Mark Aldridge.

There will be a bar serving drinks throughout the evening, while there are sure to be some other surprises on the cards. Don’t forget to visit the Potent Plants Garden, which has been inspired by the poisons used in Agatha Christie’s stories. This is the perfect opportunity to dress up and meet other fans, in a truly spectacular setting. *

This event is supported by Pol Roger.

*In the event of bad weather, we will move the whole event into the Spanish Barn.

Annette Badland is an award-winning actress, nominated for an Olivier for Sadie in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. On television she is known for her roles in Midsomer Murders, Eastenders, Dr Who, Outlander, Bergerac and Cutting It. Recent work includes The Crown, Ted Lasso, Big Boys, Beyond Paradise and Strike. Theatre includes Sir Peter Hall's Company, RSC, National Theatre, The Globe, Royal Court, Cheek by Jowl and The Almeida also The Royal Exchange, Manchester where she won critical acclaim as Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit. Films include The Man Who Invented Christmas, Terence Davies' A Quiet Passion, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, TwentyFourSeven, Jabberwocky and Little Voice. On radio she plays horrid Hazel in The Archers. She has impeccable Christie connections, having appeared in Poirot as Mrs Spriggs in Five Little Pigs, and as Gladys in the BBC TV adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple novel A Pocket Full of Rye!

Information

Getting to the venue

Torr Abbey is on Torquay seafront and walkable from most hotels in the area. It is also right next to Torquay Train Station.
The nearest car park is Torre Valley Torre Valley - Torbay Council

Accessibility

There is a drop-off point and limited parking within the grounds for disabled visitors.

The garden is entered through a gate which is wheelchair accessible. There are paths around the gardens, that make most areas accessible. There are plenty of benches around the garden to sit on, while we will also have deck chairs available.

In the case of rain, the event will move inside the main building, with a lift to the area where the party will be held.
Torre Abbey have created a visual guide, as well as a 360 Digital Virtual Tour, so you can explore the house and gardens before your visit. These can viewed here.

To find out more about access please see their full access statement.

For any accessibility queries please speak to the venue in advance of your visit: Email: torreabbeyenquiries@torbay.gov.uk or call 01803 293593