Torquay comedy legend finds new fame with hit duo Lorna and Laister

In an era where entertainment trends rise and fall faster than a TikTok soundbite, few performers can claim true longevity — and even fewer manage to evolve while staying true to their roots. 

Steve Laister is one of those rare talents. After more than three decades captivating audiences at Torquay’s  Templestowe Hotel, he has emerged as a breakout star not only in traditional theatre but also in the digital space, reaching new fans far beyond the footlights of the British variety stage.

Steve’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. For 32 years, he’s been a fixture at the Majestic Templestowe, one of the UK’s leading entertainment hotels, earning accolades like the UK National Comedian of the Year and the Sir Norman Wisdom Award for Comedy Excellence. 

His comedy — timeless yet refreshingly modern — has taken him around the world. Yet he’s always come home to the Templestowe, a place he calls his “professional home” and where he honed a style that’s now capturing attention far beyond Devon.

“There’s something magical about Majestic,” Steve reflects. “It’s more than a venue. It’s where I found my voice. And now, that voice is being heard by a whole new audience.”

That new audience first took shape three years ago, when a serendipitous meeting changed everything. Lorna Amy Sullivan — a former West End performer, girl band member, and BBC Best Actress Award winner — was visiting the hotel with her grandparents. Over a casual coffee with Steve, the idea for a modern-day comedy double act was born. From that unlikely moment, Lorna & Laister sprang to life.

What began as a playful collaboration has since exploded into a full-blown phenomenon. 

Their nostalgic-yet-fresh sketches, shared online, have racked up more than four million views in just three weeks — a testament to their rare chemistry and universal appeal. Drawing on the golden age of British comedy but with razor-sharp timing and fearless delivery, Lorna & Laister are proving that variety isn’t just alive — it’s thriving.

But Steve’s success isn’t limited to the online world. Together, he and Lorna are now headlining shows across the country, appearing in theatre venues and major events while continuing to perform live at their beloved Templestowe. They've also begun production on a new chat show, Lorna & Laister’s Extraordinary People,  blending heartfelt interviews with laugh-out-loud moments while championing untold stories from everyday heroes.

Behind it all, Majestic Tours has remained a steadfast supporter. 

“We’re not just supporting entertainers,” a spokesperson said. “We’re witnessing a true success story unfold. Steve represents everything that’s great about British entertainment — and now, he’s reaching a whole new generation.”

With his work reaching viral status, sold-out theatres, and television development underway, Steve’s story is a shining example of what happens when talent, perseverance, and the right platform come together. 

The Templestowe may have been where the journey began, but it’s clear that for Steve — and for Lorna & Laister — the best is still to come. For those lucky enough to catch a live show at the Templestowe, it’s a front-row seat to the legacy of a performer who’s not just staying relevant — he’s soaring.