The History of Scarborough Open Air Theatre: From Seaside Spectacle to a World-Class Music Venue

Set within the picturesque Northstead Manor Gardens in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, the Scarborough Open Air Theatre is one of the UK's most celebrated outdoor entertainment venues. Every summer, thousands of visitors travel from across the country to enjoy performances by internationally acclaimed artists in a truly unique setting. However, the theatre's story stretches back almost a century and is one of innovation, resilience and revival.



The Beginning: A Vision for Scarborough

The Scarborough Open Air Theatre first opened its doors in 1932, during the golden age of British seaside holidays. At the time, Scarborough was one of the country's most popular coastal resorts, welcoming visitors eager to enjoy fresh sea air, beaches and evening entertainment.

To enhance the town's appeal, Scarborough Corporation commissioned the construction of an ambitious open-air theatre within Northstead Manor Gardens. The venue was designed by architect Harry W. Smith, whose vision was unlike anything seen elsewhere in Britain.

Its most distinctive feature was an island stage, built in the middle of a lake and connected to the shore by a bridge. Audience seating was arranged on the opposite bank in a natural amphitheatre, creating a spectacular backdrop that blended theatre with the surrounding landscape.

The theatre officially opened on 3 June 1932 with a performance of the comic opera Merrie England. The production was met with great enthusiasm and marked the beginning of what would become one of Scarborough's most treasured attractions.

The Golden Years

Photo by David Douglas, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

During the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, the Open Air Theatre flourished as one of the country's leading outdoor entertainment venues.

Throughout the summer months, audiences enjoyed large-scale musicals, operas and theatrical productions featuring impressive sets, live orchestras and casts of hundreds of performers. Productions often made full use of the unique island stage, with boats and canoes crossing the lake as part of the performances, creating a magical experience for audiences.

The venue quickly became a highlight of the holiday season, attracting both local residents and visitors staying in Scarborough. By 1952, the theatre had welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors, reflecting its immense popularity during the post-war years.

Years of Decline



Like many traditional seaside attractions, the Open Air Theatre began to experience declining visitor numbers during the latter half of the twentieth century. As overseas holidays became increasingly affordable, fewer people chose to spend their summer holidays at British seaside resorts.

Large theatrical productions gradually became less frequent, and maintaining the ageing venue became increasingly difficult. Parts of the theatre, including the original island stage and backstage facilities, were eventually removed.

The theatre officially closed in 1986, following its final performance by James Last and His Orchestra. For more than two decades, the once-thriving venue remained silent, leaving many to wonder whether it would ever reopen.

A New Beginning

Despite its closure, there was strong local support to restore the historic venue. In 2008, a major redevelopment project was approved, with around £3.5 million invested in transforming the theatre into a modern concert venue while preserving its iconic lakeside setting. The renovation introduced improved seating, enhanced accessibility and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, ensuring the theatre could host world-class live performances.

The newly refurbished Scarborough Open Air Theatre officially reopened by Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh in 20 May 2010, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in its history.

From Theatre to World-Class Concert Venue

Since reopening, the venue has evolved from hosting traditional theatre productions to becoming one of the UK's premier outdoor concert venues.

Each summer, the Open Air Theatre welcomes an impressive line-up of internationally renowned artists across a wide range of musical genres, including rock, pop, classical, country and indie.

Over the years, performers have included Elton John, Lionel Richie, Tom Jones, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, Lewis Capaldi, Little Mix, Stereophonics, Rick Astley, Gary Barlow, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Westlife and many others.

Its growing reputation has firmly established Scarborough as a key destination on the UK's live music circuit.

A Summer Tradition

Today, the Scarborough Open Air Theatre hosts a packed programme of concerts every summer, attracting visitors from across Yorkshire and the wider UK. Many concertgoers plan holidays around the annual events, combining live music with everything the Yorkshire coast has to offer.

The venue has also become an important part of the local economy, supporting hotels, restaurants, cafés and independent businesses throughout the concert season. Each successful summer brings thousands of visitors into the town, reinforcing Scarborough's reputation as one of Britain's leading seaside destinations.

Looking to the Future

More than ninety years after it first opened, Scarborough Open Air Theatre continues to thrive. From its beginnings in 1932 to its successful revival in 2010, it has evolved from hosting operas and musicals to welcoming some of the world's biggest music stars.



Today, the theatre is more than just a concert venue. It is a cherished part of Scarborough's heritage and a much-loved annual tradition, bringing thousands of visitors together each summer for unforgettable live entertainment in one of North Yorkshire's most unique settings.