What Are The New Visiting Shows at Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre For 2026?

Looking for a brilliant night out at the theatre? Of course you are. There's something special about the lights going down and a story starting right in front of you. Well, anyone planning their trips to the seaside in 2026 is in for a treat. The Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough has just pulled back the curtain on four new visiting shows, and the line-up is looking absolutely fantastic. It's a real mix of everything, from a powerful true story that's been all over the news to a rollicking comedy thriller and even a foot-stomping tribute to a famous folk-rock band. There's definitely something for everyone in these brilliant upcoming shows.

Glitch: a story that needs to be heard

First up, on the 6th and 7th of February 2026, is a play called Glitch: The True Story of the Post Office Scandal. Now, you've probably heard about the Post Office scandal - it's been a huge deal. It was a situation where hundreds of innocent people who ran local post offices were wrongly accused of stealing money. It was all down to a faulty computer system, and it turned into the biggest miscarriage of justice in modern British history. This play tells that very true story through the eyes of Pam Stubbs. She was the sub-postmistress at her local post office for 20 years, a real pillar of her community. Then, suddenly, the numbers on her accounts didn't add up, and her life was turned upside down. This powerful production from Rabble Theatre was created with the real people affected, sharing their experiences directly. It's an inspirational story about fighting for the truth against unbelievable odds. If you've been following the news about the Post Office scandal, this is one of those shows that will give you a real human perspective on the headlines. The sheer injustice of it all makes Glitch a must-see piece of theatre.

We're not getting a dog: ever had that neighbour?

Next, on the 24th of February, there's something a little different. It's a storytelling show called We're Not Getting a Dog. Ever lived next door to someone and wondered what they're really like? This show is all about that. It's about the funny, awkward, and sometimes downright weird world of neighbours. Think about those notes left on car windscreens or the sound of someone jet-washing their patio at seven in the morning. It's described as a story about passive aggressive letter writing and all the little things that make a street feel like a community... or not. It's a one-man show, performed by a scruffy-looking chap who reads from a little black book. It's about the people we live metres away from but barely know. It sounds like a quirky, funny, and very relatable look at modern life. And don't worry, despite the title, there's not much about dogs in it. It's just one of those uniquely charming visiting shows that catches your eye.

The grand babylon hotel: comedy, chaos, and a millionaire

From the 18th to the 21st of March, get ready for some serious fun with The Grand Babylon Hotel. This one sounds like an absolute riot. The story kicks off when a young woman, Nella Racksole, fancies a steak and a beer for her birthday. The posh hotel they're in doesn't serve it. So what does her dad do? He's an American Railroad Millionaire, so he does the most normal thing in the world: he buys the entire hotel. But, as you can probably guess, there's more to this hotel than meets the eye. Soon, Nella Racksole and her dad are tangled up in a world of kidnapping, murder, and mystery. It's a proper comedy thriller brought to the stage by Claybody Theatre in partnership with the New Vic Theatre. A cast of just five actors plays all the different characters, so expect plenty of quick changes, silly faces, and madcap chases. If you love a good laugh and a bit of glamour and intrigue, The Grand Babylon Hotel is definitely one of the shows to book.

The mumford & sons story: get ready to stomp your feet

Finally, on the 28th of May, the theatre will be filled with the sounds of a globally famous folk-rock band. The Mumford & Sons Story is a tribute show celebrating the incredible rise to fame of the band that gave us hits like Little Lion Man and I Will Wait. Think banjos, waistcoats, and massive, singalong choruses. This show is all about recreating that amazing live energy that Mumford & Sons are known for. Four musicians will take to the stage to play all the biggest hits and tell the story of how this London folk-rock band took over the world. It's a celebration of their music and their explosive rise to fame. If you're a fan or just love live music with a tonne of heart, this is the perfect night out. It's one of those visiting shows guaranteed to have you clapping along. The official media information promises a brilliant night, and it's clear that people like Jeannie Swales and the team are excited to share news of these shows with Scarborough.

How to get your tickets

So, how do you get to see these fantastic shows?

• General Sale Starts: 10am on Wednesday, 10 September.
• How to Book: You can get tickets directly from the box office.
• Phone: Give the box office a call on 01723 370541.
• Online: Head over to the Stephen Joseph Theatre website at www.sjt.uk.com.

With a line-up this good for 2026, tickets for these visiting shows at the Stephen Joseph Theatre are bound to be popular. Whether you want to see the powerful true story behind the Post Office scandal in Glitch, laugh your socks off at The Grand Babylon Hotel, or sing along with the music of Mumford & Sons, make sure you get your tickets booked.