What New Shows Are Coming To The Stephen Joseph Theatre In Scarborough For 2026?

Got that feeling you need something to look forward to? Well, anyone looking for a brilliant night out at the theatre is in luck. The fantastic Stephen Joseph Theatre has just lifted the curtain on its first batch of new shows for 2026, and it's a seriously exciting line-up.

Whether it's a musical mystery, laugh-out-loud comedy, legendary music, or a thought-provoking play, there's a bit of everything planned for the Scarborough stage. These new shows offer a brilliant mix of entertainment, proving that the theatre has something for everyone in its upcoming season.

A madcap musical murder mystery for 2026

Kicking things off for the in-house productions in 2026 is a show that sounds like a riot. It's called Murder for Two, and it's running from 28 March to 18 April. Forget your standard murder mystery. This is a whodunit with a massive, musical twist. Picture this: a famous novelist is found dead at his own birthday party. The proper detectives are nowhere to be seen, so it's up to a local copper with big dreams, Officer Marcus Moscowicz, to solve the crime. Sounds straightforward?

Not quite. Here's the brilliant part. The entire show, with all its suspects and clues, is performed by just two actors. And they don't just play all 13 characters between them; they also play the piano. It's a fast, frantic, and fantastically funny performance that puts the laughter into manslaughter. This award-winning Broadway musical is a clever, gloriously silly show that will have people guessing and giggling all the way through. It's the kind of inventive theatre that makes for an unforgettable night out, as the actors switch characters at lightning speed. Who needs a full team of detectives when you have two performers doing it all? This is one of the most anticipated new shows for the year.

Get ready for a laugh with the Em Show

On 13 February, prepare for a night of pure joy with The Em Show: Tales from a Little Laughing Lesbian. This isn't just a stand-up show; it's a whirlwind of comedy from the brilliant Em Stroud. The performance is a one-woman spectacular packed with stand-up, improv, and clowning. If you're wondering what improv and clowning are, think of them as comedy on the fly. Improv is where the performer makes up scenes on the spot, often based on audience suggestions.

Clowning isn't about red noses and floppy shoes; it's a style of physical comedy that's all about finding the funny in everyday situations. The show, Tales from a Little Laughing Lesbian, covers everything from therapy and parenting to marriage and motorbikes. No topic is off-limits in this journey of self-discovery. It's described as uplifting, bold, and wildly funny. And it's a show for everyone. The whole point is to have a massive laugh, reflect a little, and leave the theatre with a big smile. This is comedy that connects, making it one of the must-see shows in Scarborough.

An evening of legendary folk songs

Music lovers are in for a massive treat on 21 February when Martin Carthy and Eliza Carthy take to the stage. This father-and-daughter duo are basically folk music royalty in Britain. At 84, Martin Carthy is a legendary ballad singer and guitarist who has inspired huge artists like Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. He even became the oldest artist ever to be nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, which is a seriously big deal. His daughter, Eliza Carthy, is a star in her own right, with multiple awards and two of her own Mercury nominations.

Together, they perform a beautiful collection of songs, from traditional folk tunes to more modern tracks. It's a chance to see two incredible musicians who share a unique connection on stage. They perform a huge range of songs that showcase their individual talents while also highlighting how perfectly they work together. Their performance is more than just a concert; it's a masterclass in musical storytelling.

Classic tunes from Cole Porter

For a touch of timeless glamour, look no further than Night & Day: Sam Jewison sings Cole Porter on 7 March. Fresh from performing at New York's famous Lincoln Center, singer and pianist Sam Jewison brings his incredible talent to Scarborough.

He'll be performing the evergreen songs of Cole Porter, one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Porter wrote tunes that are part of what's often called the Great American Songbook-classic hits that never get old. The show will feature iconic songs like 'I've Got You Under My Skin' and 'Night and Day', alongside other gems from hit musicals such as High Society and Anything Goes. It's a night of pure elegance and nostalgia, bringing the magic of a classic era of musical theatre to life. Hearing these beloved songs performed live is an experience that transports you to another time, filled with style and sophistication. This musical evening promises to be a highlight of the visiting shows.

A classic novel brought to life

Finally, on 16 April, the theatre presents a powerful one-person play based on the classic novel, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists. This story follows a group of Edwardian painters and decorators over the course of a year. The Edwardian period was the time right before the First World War, and the story gives a powerful look at the lives of working people during that time.

What makes this production special is that the whole story, with all its characters, is brought to life by a single actor, Neil Gore. He uses projections, live music, and even political conjuring tricks to tell the tale. Having performed versions of this play for over 40 years, Gore brings a huge amount of passion and knowledge to the role. It's a story about struggle, hope, and humanity that still feels incredibly relevant today. This show demonstrates how a classic story about painters can be transformed into compelling and modern theatre.

How to get your tickets

Ready to book? All these new shows at the Stephen Joseph Theatre go on general sale at 10am on Wednesday 8 October. Tickets can be bought by calling the box office on 01723 370541 or by visiting their website at www.sjt.uk.com. With such a brilliant mix of drama, music, and comedy on the way in 2026, there's plenty to get excited about at the Scarborough theatre.