PUSS IN BOOTS and Five More Christmas Shows Will Come to Stephen Joseph Theatre

Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre has announced a programme of entertainment for December 2026. Five new shows will join the already-announced main production, which this year is Puss in Boots (5 to 31 December).

It will be joined by a new show from Scarborough Theatre Company for under-sixes, Hairy Bob's Christmas Jumper (16 to 23 December).

Written and directed by Alex Weatherhill, the show visits a magical sweet shop in the heart of Scarborough, where jars shimmer, fudge fizzes and the unexpected is never far away… It's run by Miss Candy Floss, helped by Hairy Bob, a mysteriously magic Hob (a gnome to us!) with a tall pointy hat and a love of caves.

Six-piece, multi-instrumental band Raven celebrate the season with original songs and traditional music (6 December). Their show is a fundraiser for the SJT, which is a registered charity.

A Pleasing Terror (9 December) sees RM Lloyd Parry perform two ghost stories by MR James – this year, Canon Alberic's Scrap-book and The Mezzotint.

Also joining the fun is Holly at Christmas (10 December): Buddy Holly and the Cricketers once again herald the festivities with a show now as traditional as mulled wine and mince pies! Holly's hits, other contemporary classics and some Christmas crackers are all wrapped up in a fast, furious and funny feast of entertainment.

The Haus of Games Christmas Special (20 December), from the Isolation Creations, is a gloriously daft comedy show packed with bingo, banter and the distinct possibility that something inappropriate may happen under the mistletoe.

In addition to the Christmas shows, the SJT is delighted to be welcoming back the John Godber company in 2027, with John Godber's new show, This is the Life (17 to 20 February).

Dave and Sapphire have worked backstage at the Old Forge for years. They've never felt the lure of the spotlight, they prefer the dark of the wings. But when they learn that the venue is closing, they are both shocked and angry. Despite dwindling audience numbers, unfunny stand-ups and a chaotic staff, they love this damp, old, crumbling local theatre.