Van Morrison: The Princess Theatre Torquay 28/10/2026

After Storm Austen had been battering the south coast in recent days, I was relieved on Wednesday morning to see that the wind and rain had abated and the trains were running on time. One of the reasons I like going to concerts in Torquay is because the train journey is so pleasant. Once you get past Exeter the train runs right along by the sea with some great views from the train window. I couldn’t check into the hotel until 3pm, so I left my bag at reception and went for a saunter along the seafront. There were hundreds of people out and about, walking their dogs, and enjoying the late October sunshine. I sat outside a café enjoying a glass of wine and watching the world walk by, until finally strolling back to the hotel. 

Once I checked in, I had a nap until 5.30 when I met up with Jane, and we walked to a pub/restaurant place called the Offshore Bar where John had booked a table for three. We ordered some food and it was great to have a chat and a catch-up, but the service was painfully slow. Time was getting on and I had told Mary we would see her in the theatre bar. We were just on the verge of walking out when the food finally arrived, and it was actually quite delicious. After that we hurried to the Princess Theatre which is another reason I like coming back to Torquay because it is a lovely little theatre right next to the harbour. We met up with Mary, and it was nice to meet her friend Annie for the first time, so our little gang was now complete.

Unusually for a Van concert there was a support act this time who was a West Country singer called Andy Quick who played guitar and sang three songs, but I must confess that I didn’t pay a lot of attention to him. After he finished his short set, I went outside into the fresh air until it was time for Van the man. Van’s eight-piece band shuffled on stage which consisted of Sumudu and Jolene on backing vocals and percussion instruments, David Hayes on bass, Bobby Ruggerio on drums, Dave Keary on guitars, Paul Moran on trumpet, Chris White on saxophones and other wind instruments, and John McCullough on keyboards and piano. Then the band announced, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, Mr Van Morrison!’, and on strolled Van looking as dapper as Bill Nighy on a night out. As in Bath when I last saw Van he began with one of the greatest songs of all time Into The Mystic. This great opening was followed by three songs from the recent Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge blues album which were Kidney Stew Blues, Snatch It Back And Hold It, and a song I didn’t recognise, but Jane told me later was called Can’t Help Myself originally by Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee. All those songs I thought were Ok, but the next song for me was a highlight of the night, from the great Remembering Now album. Van sat at the keyboard and performed Haven’t Lost My Sense Of Wonder. 

In the pub later we all agreed that it sounded even better live than on the album with Van repeating ‘Peace Be Still’ accompanied by Chris on sax. After that ethereal experience it was back down to earth with Symphony Sid which isn’t one of my favourite songs, but Sumudu breathed new life into it with her excellent vocal ability. I have seen Van perform Enlightenment on countless occasions, but I never tire of hearing it, unlike some other songs I could mention. Dave was excellent on steel guitar as was Van on harmonica. Another great song with a spiritual message was Full Force Gale. Green Rocky Road is always great to hear, but especially so in Torquay with Chris excelling on flute and Van bring the song to a close by repeating ‘And she moves on solid ground, she moves, she really moves’. The mood changed again then with Going Down Geneva/Brand New Cadillac which I’m not all that enamoured with. After that Van reminded us that we’re all going to die with Precious Time. It’s good to know the fire's still in him, and the passion it burns ‘til hell freezes over and the rivers run dry. Ain’t Gonna Moan No More was hip to the tip as ever, with Van telling us about his heroes Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jon Hendricks, Satchmo, and even Willie the Shake. The low point of the show for me was Broken Record which I have never liked. The next song was a nice surprise. Van said he was going to sing a skiffle song that was originally by Dickie Bishop who I had never heard of before. It was called No Other Baby with Dave playing some real twangy rockabilly style guitar and Van and Chris both playing sax. This was followed by an old favourite Cleaning Windows, and he had to perform Moondance beneath October skies. Two more songs which the Torquay audience obviously enjoyed were Wild Night followed by Real Real Gone. The finale was as usual Gloria. Van left the stage and the band played on as I made for the exit.

Annie, Mary, Me, John, Jane.

We all met up outside and agreed that it had been a very enjoyable concert. After some of the setlists I have seen recently, I thought the show exceeded my expectations. We all went for a last drink in a pub which I think was called Viva before going our separate ways. I’m looking forward to the next time already. This morning I had a nice surprise while waiting for my train. Who should come strolling along the platform but Sumudu!. I thanked her for the concert, and we had a little chat. She was happy for me to take a photo, what a nice lady she is. That brought a very enjoyable visit to Torquay to a close.

Sumudu.

PS: I’d like to dedicate this review to our dear friend and long-time Van fan Fumiko who sadly passed away in June this year.

PPS: Thank you very much to John Prideaux for the photos.