65th anniversary of the Princess Theatre

That this House congratulates the Princess Theatre, Torquay, on the occasion of its 65th anniversary; notes that since opening in 1961, with Tommy Cooper and Morecambe and Wise among the headline acts, the theatre has established itself as one of the South West’s leading entertainment venues; further notes that it has welcomed many of the greatest names in British entertainment, including The Beatles, and has brought enjoyment to generations of residents and visitors across Torbay and beyond; recognises that in its anniversary year the theatre has achieved record box office success and welcomed Fawlty Towers to its fictional home town; welcomes the staging of The Last Laugh, celebrating the lives and careers of Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse, as a fitting tribute to the comedy legends associated with the theatre’s earliest years; and wishes the Princess Theatre, its staff, community, performers and audiences every continued success for the future.