2026 at the Stephen Joseph Theatre – Your Guide to Shows and Where to Stay Nearby

Planning a visit to Scarborough’s iconic Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) in 2026? From original productions by Alan Ayckbourn to acclaimed touring shows, the SJT’s new season is filled with exciting performances. You can explore the full 2026 schedule on the official SJT website, or browse our highlights below for the top shows to catch this year.

For theatre lovers looking for hotels near the SJT, Seaside Hideaway Hotel offers a peaceful, adults-only stay just a short walk from the venue. And if you’re dining with us, we offer relaxed pre-theatre dinners from our evening menu—just let us know at booking, and we’ll ensure you’re perfectly timed for curtain-up.

The Wind in the Willows – A Family Classic on Stage

📅 19th February 2026 – 21 February 2026

Join Mole, Ratty, Badger and the mischievous Mr Toad in this heartwarming adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s beloved tale, brought to life on stage at the Stephen Joseph Theatre this winter. Expect music, laughter and riverside adventure in a festive family show that promises something for all ages.

If you’re planning a seasonal theatre trip to Scarborough, Seaside Hideaway Hotel is the perfect adults-only hotel near the SJT. Relax in comfort after the show and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the North Bay coast.

Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty – A New Thriller for 2026

📅 26th – 28th February 2026

Step into the shadows of Victorian London as Sherlock Holmes faces off against his greatest nemesis in this gripping new play by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel. Premiering at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, this edge-of-your-seat mystery brings the legendary detective back to life in an atmospheric tale of cunning, crime and confrontation.

Looking for hotels near the SJT? Seaside Hideaway Hotel offers a quiet North Bay escape, just a short walk from the theatre. Enjoy home-cooked evening meals and pre-theatre dining options—just let us know when booking.

The Grand Babylon Hotel – Glamour, Secrets, and Scandal

📅 18–21 March 2026

Step into the opulent world of The Grand Babylon Hotel, where dazzling high society masks dark secrets. Based on Arnold Bennett’s gripping novel, this stylish and suspenseful adaptation follows mysterious disappearances and hidden agendas at a luxury London hotel. Expect intrigue, glamour, and edge-of-your-seat twists in this limited-run performance at the Stephen Joseph Theatre.

Planning a cultural getaway? Stay just minutes from the theatre at Seaside Hideaway Hotel—Scarborough’s welcoming adults-only retreat with comfortable rooms, home-cooked meals, and the ideal location for pre-theatre dining.

Murder for Two – A Killer Comedy Musical

📅 28 March – 18 April 2026

One murder. Two actors. Thirteen characters. And one piano. Buckle up for a brilliantly bonkers evening of musical mayhem with Murder for Two at the Stephen Joseph Theatre. This fast-paced whodunnit combines clever comedy, sharp timing, and toe-tapping tunes—all performed by two multi-talented actors who play every suspect, detective, and accomplice.

Whether you’re in it for the laughs or the mystery, it’s the perfect night out in Scarborough. Pair your theatre experience with a relaxing stay at Seaside Hideaway Hotel, where our warm hospitality and pre-theatre dinners make every evening special.

Woyzeck – A Gritty Reimagining of a Classic Tragedy

📅 13 – 16 May 2026

Experience one of theatre’s most haunting works in a powerful new production at the Stephen Joseph Theatre. Woyzeck, Georg Büchner’s timeless tale of oppression, madness, and desperation, is reimagined with bold direction and raw energy. This visceral drama examines the human cost of injustice—and the fragility of the mind—through an intense, fast-moving narrative that still resonates today.

After a gripping night at the theatre, unwind at Seaside Hideaway Hotel, just minutes from the SJT. Enjoy a peaceful adults-only retreat with pre-theatre dining available by request, and North Bay’s charm right on your doorstep.

Calendar Girls: The Musical – Heartfelt, Uplifting and Unmissable

📅 27 June – 25 July 2026

The much-loved story of the Yorkshire women who dared to bare all returns in this feel-good musical by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth. Packed with northern humour, genuine warmth, and unforgettable songs, Calendar Girls: The Musical at the Stephen Joseph Theatre promises laughter, tears, and an unforgettable night out. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve seen it before, this joyful celebration of friendship and bravery is not to be missed.

Make a night of it with a stay at Seaside Hideaway Hotel, a short stroll from the SJT in Scarborough’s scenic North Bay. Enjoy our home-cooked pre-theatre evening meals and fully licensed bar—ideal for guests soaking up the atmosphere of a summer show.

Handbagged – The Queen. The Iron Lady. The Gloves Are Off.

📅 31 July – 29 August 2026

In this sharp, witty and award-winning comedy by Moira Buffini, two of the most powerful women in British history meet head-to-head. Handbagged imagines the often-speculated conversations between Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher—with two sets of actors portraying each woman at different stages of life. Smart, funny and politically charged, this play is a clever mix of fact, fiction, and royal repartee.

If you’re catching this brilliant production at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, make your stay even more memorable with Seaside Hideaway Hotel. We’re just minutes away on foot from the SJT, offering pre-theatre dinners, a fully licensed bar, and peaceful, adults-only rooms in Scarborough’s picturesque North Bay.

The Trial of Romeo Oscar – A New Play From Ayckbourn

📅 4 September – 3 October 2026

Master storyteller Alan Ayckbourn returns with another compelling world premiere: The Trial of Romeo Oscar. Set in a near-future world where AI and humanity blur, this gripping courtroom drama explores identity, responsibility and what it means to be human. Expect a thought-provoking performance with Ayckbourn’s trademark wit and imagination.

Seeing this new production at the Stephen Joseph Theatre? Book your stay at Seaside Hideaway Hotel, just a short stroll from the venue. Relax with a home-cooked evening meal, enjoy a glass of wine in our cosy lounge, and be close enough to the action without the crowds.

Stay Close to the Stage – Book Your SJT 2026 Theatre Break in Scarborough

Whether you’re catching a world premiere by Alan Ayckbourn, a rousing musical, or a gripping drama, the Stephen Joseph Theatre’s 2026 season offers unforgettable entertainment in the heart of Scarborough. Located just a few minutes’ walk away, Seaside Hideaway Hotel is the perfect adults-only base for theatre lovers. With on-site parking, home-cooked dinners, a fully licensed bar, and peaceful rooms for unwinding after the curtain falls, your stay will be as memorable as the show.

Planning your visit around the SJT’s 2026 shows? Book early to secure your dates—our rooms fill quickly for major productions and Scarborough theatre weekends.