Stephen Joseph Theatre Scarborough: planning an evening out

The Stephen Joseph Theatre’s programme includes theatre, cinema, comedy, music and dance, with events taking place six days a week. The venue’s official events page lets you browse by activity or date, so you can narrow down the kind of evening you have in mind.

The building is a restored 1930s Odeon cinema with two auditoria. The Round seats the audience around the stage, while the McCarthy theatre uses an end-on layout. The theatre’s story began in 1955, when Stephen Joseph established a theatre-in-the-round on the first floor of Scarborough Library; it later moved to Westwood School before taking over the former Odeon.

For a broader look at theatres in Scarborough and live music, compare the different kinds of performances around town as you plan your night.

You can book tickets through the theatre’s website, call the Box Office on 01723 370 541, or buy them in person. If you have access requirements, the theatre offers tickets for you and one carer, if needed, at the lowest price currently available for the chosen performance.

Plan to arrive in time for the start. Latecomers may be admitted at the Duty Manager’s discretion when there is a suitable point, but some performances do not admit latecomers; missed starts are not refundable.

Eat Me, the theatre’s onsite restaurant, and its bars give you options for food and drinks at the venue. A regional tourism listing gives the restaurant’s regular opening pattern as Monday to Saturday from 10am.

The theatre is directly opposite Scarborough railway station and close to central bus stops. It has no onsite parking.

Its parking guide recommends unloading on Hanover Road and using the Station car park, described as approximately £5 per day and open 24 hours. Most on-street and council-run parking is free after 6pm, though parking can be difficult in this central location.

The entrance has four sets of double doors: the leftmost has a ramp and wall button, while the other three have a small step. Automatic front doors, level access to the Box Office and accessible toilets are also available. Hearing loops are provided at the Box Office, Kiosk and in both auditoria for customers with compatible hearing aids.

If you have access requirements, contact the theatre as soon as possible, ideally at least 24 hours before you arrive. Assistance dogs may stay in the auditorium or be looked after by staff; let the Box Office know in advance. Before setting out, check the official site before you go for current programme, parking and access details.

For getting around on foot beyond the theatre, a one-day Scarborough walking route links town-centre sights into a day out.