Stephen Joseph Theatre

Monday: 10:00 - 20:00
Tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
Friday: 10:00 - 20:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
Sunday: -

About Stephen Joseph Theatre

We've been producing world-class theatre since 1955. We also show an exciting mix of dance, comedy, music, movies and more. We have a wide range of OutReach activities and our iconic building houses a bar, shop, gallery and has spaces available to hire.

Stephen Joseph Theatre Description

The home of truly great theatre. Let us transport you to new worlds and enjoy new experiences through the magic of theatre – no trip to Scarborough would be complete without it! We offer a unique, intimate experience in our renowned theatre-in-the-round as well as the more traditional end-on McCarthy theatre and cinema.

The SJT has been and is known for its commitment to new writing throughout its 61 years not to mention Alan Ayckbourn’s 80 World Premieres. It is home to excellent drama, music, films, comedy and live streaming and has been the starting point for many, now familiar names.

A Brief History:

The Stephen Joseph Theatre was founded in Scarborough by theatrical pioneer Stephen Joseph. In 1955 he established the country's first theatre-in-the-round company on the first floor of the Public Library in Scarborough.

Alan Ayckbourn, Stephen's protégé, was appointed Artistic Director in 1972 and would remain in that post until 2009 having encouraged Stephen's legacy of new writing with the world premiere of 239 plays by 87 writers during his tenure.

The theatre continued to flourish and in 1976 moved to a supposedly temporary home on the ground floor of the former Scarborough Boys' High School. However, it wasn't until 1988 and the closure of the local Odeon cinema that a suitable venue was found.

The new theatre, known simply as the Stephen Joseph Theatre, opened on 30th April 1996 and has two auditoria: The Round, a 404-seat in the round and The McCarthy, a 165-seat endstage /cinema.

Reviews

User

Working at the SJT has been wonderful from day one.This is one of the greatest theatres in the country.Actors,Crew,Directors Designers and Staff working cheek by jowl and producing great theatre for all.'Little Voice' was wonderful to work on and Ray Say has left the building.But more to come on 'Goth Weekend',a new play by Ali Taylor.If you liked LV you'll love this!!🦇🎩🎤

User

Whilst staying in nearby Sleights we visited the theatre to watch 'Di, Viv and Rose' and then returned the next day to watch 'Little Voice'. Loved both plays; both brought tears to our eyes for different reasons! Well acted, full of energy and just great! Would definitely recommend a visit!

User

Went to see Taking Steps and as always brilliantly written and hilariously funny. The actors were amazing and their timing impeccable as well as their use of the set and as it was a farce in a three storey house having to remember not only their lines but which floor they were on! Brilliant. If you missed it I can only recommend that you look out for it and put it on your bucket list!

User

Went to see Little Voice last night. The show, stage setting and acting was brilliant. I would highly recommend to anyone thinking of going to see this show to just book it, you won't be disappointed

User

Went to see Jinkx Monsoon last night and not only did I have the time of my life but the staff were wonderful, I was talking to one of the employees I think her name was Linda and when I mentioned my arthritis was playing up she asked another member of staff to bring me a chair and he was more than happy to! It was really lovely of them both and I couldn’t be happier with the whole experience! Thank you!

User

Went to see Di, Viv and Rose last night and it was excellent. Laughed, cried, loved the music, great acting. Well done to all involved and keep up the good work of bringing brilliant theatre to the coast. X x x

User

Went to see 39 Steps after my brother in New York recommended we see it as he had watched a performance there, we wasn’t aware of how much fun we would have though, it was so hilariously funny and the actors were absolutely brilliant from start to finish ( which I didn’t want it to ) my sides ached laughing the script was so well written and 4 actors ! in that play, so good we always enjoy what we see at SJT but this ranks at the top of our list roll on our next visit

User

Thoroughly enjoyed an evening at Stephen Joseph theatre watching a wonderful performance of 39 Steps. It is hilarious. The actors have such energy and skill that every moment is perfectly performed.I hope to see it again soon.

User

Lovely theatre which has recently benefitted from a facelift. Really nice ‘round’ viewing experience - close to the action.

User

Love the round and Little Voice last night was fantastic. Have seen many plays there but this was by far the best. Will definately going again to see it!!!

User

Little Voice. A fabulous evening. The show was a tour de force and deservedly received a standing ovation from the audience. Great to see the theatre in the round packed to the rafters. The acting was superb and the set ingenious. One felt privileged to be there. Thoroughly recommended BRAVO SJT...!!

User

Just been to see the 39 steps and it was absolutely brilliant. Loved the fantastically skilled cast and brilliantly staged. Thanks for a great addition to my holiday.

User

It was a last minute decision to visit the SJ Thatre having never been and often talked of doing so! This was a wise decision, not only was the venue great the show, the rise and fall of Little Voice was phenomenal. The cast were inspired ; they could not have given any more to their performances and the show it self was gripping. So glad I decided to book these tickets; they were very fairly priced and completely worth it! Recommend this to anyone!

User

Great night watching 39 steps fast paced and something in it for everyone would deff recommend it !��

User

39 steps was brilliant. 4 actors using the props so ingeniously and with side splitting effect. Such talent displayed.

Highly recommended show.

Also all staff members extremely polite and welcoming.

Well done SJT.

User

Went to see Rise and Fall of Little Voice. Very impressed with the performance, which received a standing ovation.

The seats that we had were at the back and we had a great view, so much so that I would be asking for those seats again next time I go.

Only problem I found was that my mobility isn't great and there were so many stairs. I had to go do several flights to get to the toilet.

Staff very welcoming and friendly.

Would also consider eating there, the cake in the bar area looked fabulous

User

Went to see Elvis comeback special loved it

User

Went to see Di and Viv and Rose. I really enjoyed it. The actors had me with them throughout. The first half was the most fun for me. The second half was touching and the audience were very moved I think, based on their collective reactions. A good night out.

User

The theatre was lovely the seats perfect. The marketing of the christmas show misleading at best. Turning a christmas carol into a pantomime ingenious. Not telling the public that it was all silly and so loosely based on a christmas carol it was barely recognisable bad call. If you don't have children don't go. We expected a light hearted funny musical. We left early in fact we left after 44 minutes.

User

Working at the SJT has been wonderful from day one.This is one of the greatest theatres in the country.Actors,Crew,Directors Designers and Staff working cheek by jowl and producing great theatre for all.'Little Voice' was wonderful to work on and Ray Say has left the building.But more to come on 'Goth Weekend',a new play by Ali Taylor.If you liked LV you'll love this!!🦇🎩🎤

User

Whilst staying in nearby Sleights we visited the theatre to watch 'Di, Viv and Rose' and then returned the next day to watch 'Little Voice'. Loved both plays; both brought tears to our eyes for different reasons! Well acted, full of energy and just great! Would definitely recommend a visit!

User

Went to see Taking Steps and as always brilliantly written and hilariously funny. The actors were amazing and their timing impeccable as well as their use of the set and as it was a farce in a three storey house having to remember not only their lines but which floor they were on! Brilliant. If you missed it I can only recommend that you look out for it and put it on your bucket list!

User

Went to see Little Voice last night. The show, stage setting and acting was brilliant. I would highly recommend to anyone thinking of going to see this show to just book it, you won't be disappointed

User

Went to see Jinkx Monsoon last night and not only did I have the time of my life but the staff were wonderful, I was talking to one of the employees I think her name was Linda and when I mentioned my arthritis was playing up she asked another member of staff to bring me a chair and he was more than happy to! It was really lovely of them both and I couldn’t be happier with the whole experience! Thank you!

User

Went to see Di, Viv and Rose last night and it was excellent. Laughed, cried, loved the music, great acting. Well done to all involved and keep up the good work of bringing brilliant theatre to the coast. X x x

User

Went to see 39 Steps after my brother in New York recommended we see it as he had watched a performance there, we wasn’t aware of how much fun we would have though, it was so hilariously funny and the actors were absolutely brilliant from start to finish ( which I didn’t want it to ) my sides ached laughing the script was so well written and 4 actors ! in that play, so good we always enjoy what we see at SJT but this ranks at the top of our list roll on our next visit

User

Thoroughly enjoyed an evening at Stephen Joseph theatre watching a wonderful performance of 39 Steps. It is hilarious. The actors have such energy and skill that every moment is perfectly performed.I hope to see it again soon.

User

Lovely theatre which has recently benefitted from a facelift. Really nice ‘round’ viewing experience - close to the action.

User

Love the round and Little Voice last night was fantastic. Have seen many plays there but this was by far the best. Will definately going again to see it!!!

User

Little Voice. A fabulous evening. The show was a tour de force and deservedly received a standing ovation from the audience. Great to see the theatre in the round packed to the rafters. The acting was superb and the set ingenious. One felt privileged to be there. Thoroughly recommended BRAVO SJT...!!

User

Just been to see the 39 steps and it was absolutely brilliant. Loved the fantastically skilled cast and brilliantly staged. Thanks for a great addition to my holiday.

User

It was a last minute decision to visit the SJ Thatre having never been and often talked of doing so! This was a wise decision, not only was the venue great the show, the rise and fall of Little Voice was phenomenal. The cast were inspired ; they could not have given any more to their performances and the show it self was gripping. So glad I decided to book these tickets; they were very fairly priced and completely worth it! Recommend this to anyone!

User

Great night watching 39 steps fast paced and something in it for everyone would deff recommend it !��

User

39 steps was brilliant. 4 actors using the props so ingeniously and with side splitting effect. Such talent displayed.

Highly recommended show.

Also all staff members extremely polite and welcoming.

Well done SJT.

User

Went to see Rise and Fall of Little Voice. Very impressed with the performance, which received a standing ovation.

The seats that we had were at the back and we had a great view, so much so that I would be asking for those seats again next time I go.

Only problem I found was that my mobility isn't great and there were so many stairs. I had to go do several flights to get to the toilet.

Staff very welcoming and friendly.

Would also consider eating there, the cake in the bar area looked fabulous

User

Went to see Elvis comeback special loved it

User

Went to see Di and Viv and Rose. I really enjoyed it. The actors had me with them throughout. The first half was the most fun for me. The second half was touching and the audience were very moved I think, based on their collective reactions. A good night out.

User

The theatre was lovely the seats perfect. The marketing of the christmas show misleading at best. Turning a christmas carol into a pantomime ingenious. Not telling the public that it was all silly and so loosely based on a christmas carol it was barely recognisable bad call. If you don't have children don't go. We expected a light hearted funny musical. We left early in fact we left after 44 minutes.

More about Stephen Joseph Theatre

Stephen Joseph Theatre is located at Westborough, YO11 1JW Scarborough, North Yorkshire
01723370541
Monday: 10:00 - 20:00
Tuesday: 10:00 - 20:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 20:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 20:00
Friday: 10:00 - 20:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 20:00
Sunday: -
https://www.sjt.uk.com