Saturday 19th September 2026

A Gameshow is Announced!


With so many crime and murder mystery experts gathered in Torquay for the Festival, we thought it was time to put their little grey cells to the ultimate test...

Join us for our first ever gameshow evening, a night of sharp minds, quick wits and criminally good fun.

We begin with Criminal Masterminds, where brave super-fans will take to the famous black chair to be quizzed on their specialist subject, along with their general knowledge of crime fiction and all things Agatha. Who will walk away with our first ever Criminal Masterminds trophy? I've started, so I'll finish...

Then the competition continues with a lively panel show hosted by Kemper Donovan, featuring some of our guest experts.

On Team Marple...
On Team Poirot...

(Team line-ups to be revealed!)

There'll also be the opportunity for the audience to get involved in a fun game, plus a bar to keep those brain cells lubricated.

Whether you're a devoted detective fiction fan or simply love a good night out, our main Saturday night event promises to be a highlight of the Festival.

Please note, this is a fund-raising event for the Agatha Christie Festival and all of the panellists are very generously giving their time for free.

Venue: Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey


Accessibility

There is a drop-off point and limited parking within the grounds for disabled visitors. Entry to the Spanish Barn is relatively level, but there are a few cobble stones to cross, before entering the completely flat interior. We have space for wheelchairs, although if you let us know in advance, we can ensure that there is ample dedicated space for the number of wheelchair users. We have again raised the height of the main stage this year, so that guest speakers can easily be seen and have a hearing loop in the front half of the Barn nearest the stage. We also have two TV screens midway down the barn screening what is happening on the stage. There is a disabled toilet available to the rear of the Spanish Barn.

If you have any particular access requirements or enquiries, do please get in touch and we will do whatever we feasibly can to accommodate you. Please email admin@iacf-uk.org

Getting there

Getting to the venue

The Spanish Barn is in the grounds of Torre Abbey. This is on Torquay seafront and walkable from most hotels in the area. It is also right next to Torquay Train Station.

Parking

There is no parking in the grounds of Torre Abbey except for disabled parking. The nearest car park is Torre Valley - Torbay Council. This is a five-minute walk from the Spanish Barn.

Toilets

Toilets are available to the rear of the Spanish Barn for the duration of the Literary Festival.

Inside the Spanish Barn

Whilst we only have one evening event in the Spanish Barn this year, it can get cold so please dress with this in mind.

Food and Drink

The cafe at Torre Abbey is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am till 4pm and is dog friendly.

A short 10-minute walk away from the Spanish Barn are a variety of cafes, bars and takeaways.

Dogs

Dogs, except for assistance dogs, are not allowed in the Spanish Barn.

If you have any further questions, please email admin@iacf-uk.org

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