Scarborough Fringe
12 – 21 June 2026
Scarborough Fringe
12 – 21 June 2026
ABOUT SCARBOROUGH FRINGE
Scarborough Fringe is an open-access arts festival, featuring theatre, music, comedy, dance, spoken word, children’s shows and much more. The Fringe takes place over 10 days with free and ticketed events in venues large and small, plus a free street event on Saturday 13 June.
Watch the video to get a feel for the festival, filmed at Scarborough Fringe and Scarborough Art last summer.
Theatre
One of Us
11 June – 13 June, Burniston & Cloughton Village Hall
As three sisters prepare to bury their mother, they meet to discuss a family secret that has been kept hidden for many years. At last they can celebrate a new member of their family – at least until another, darker secret threatens to blow the family apart.
Second Thoughts – The Play
12 June – 20 June, Scarborough Market Vaults
A powerful one-man play exploring ambition, migration, and identity. Through humour and heartfelt reflection, Clement confronts the choices that shaped his journey and the true meaning of home. A raw, intimate story of searching for belonging.
Shakespeare’s Night Out
12 June – 20 June, Scarborough Market Vaults
A powerful one-man play exploring ambition, migration, and identity. Through humour and heartfelt reflection, Clement confronts the choices that shaped his journey and the true meaning of home. A raw, intimate story of searching for belonging.
Offgridland
12 June, Scarborough Library: Small Room
A frantic comedy play by multi-award winning writer/performer Paul Richards.
The Mirror Crack’d
12 June – 14 June, Queen Street Methodist Church
Summer 1964. When glamorous Hollywood movie star Marina Gregg arrives in the sleepy village of St. Mary Mead, excitement ripples through the residents, until a murder occurs. As dark secrets surface, Miss Marple pieces together jealousy, obsession, and a chilling motive hidden behind fame and glamour.
In Two
13 June – 20 June, Hunmanby Community Centre, Woodend Gallery & Studios
Two lives. One hallway. In Two is a sharp, intimate story about relationships, control, and plain crackers. As we follow the new neighbours’ lives and how they intertwine, we discover what really happens when you let someone in.
A Full Plate
13 June – 14 June, Scarborough Library: Small Room
Meet Elaine, a young woman who’s spent more time having panic attacks and in therapist’s offices than most her age. Join her as she shares her mental health journey (so far). A story about mental health, growing up, and learning to love and accept yourself.
Playwright’s Room
16 June, Stephen Joseph Theatre: The Meeting Point
A short play created collectively by the Scarborough Playwrights’ Room. Through the messy, silly, and ambitious process of group-writing an entire play, you will get to see first-hand the diversity and creativity of local talent.
Rosetti’s Stunners
17 June, Scarborough Library: Small Room
This compelling new play explores how Dante Gabriel Rossetti transformed ordinary women into his legendary “Stunners, ” and how figures such as Jane Morris became icons of Victorian beauty. Part theatre, part lecture, and part riff on gender, class and power.
You Decide
18 June, Stephen Joseph Theatre: The Meeting Point
Twenty-seven calls for help. Not once believed. A one-man must-see show about male domestic abuse, institutional failure, and the system that made the victim the suspect.
ONE MAN MacBeth
18 June – 19 June, Beckview Studios: Studio
Shakespeare’s tragic tale retold. Not by a cast and crew numbering 20; 12 parts performed live and on screen by ONE MAN using multimedia and multi-rolling, while also orchestrating the lighting and an original soundtrack.
The Reluctant Storyteller
18 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
A wildly inventive and darkly comic solo performance that blends storytelling, object theatre, and absurdist satire into a surreal journey about memory, technology, and the fragility of life.
DURO……….wait to be pampered
19 June – 20 June, Scarborough Market Vaults
DURO! explores the spiritual and emotional world of an Abiku — a child who oscillates between life and death. After twelve cycles of birth and return, Duro is determined to stay with her mother in the human world.
A Little Story About a Big Battle
19 June – 21 June, Scarborough Castle
Who won the Battle of Flamborough Head? You decide, after you have heard this funny and informative telling of the story of the battle that changed the course of the American revolutionary war and made a Scotsman the ‘Father of the American Navy.’
Reminiscing With Adunni Alaalo
19 June – 21 June, Scarborough Library – Concert Room
An immersive Nigerian storytelling experience where audiences don’t just watch — they become part of the story. Told through engaging Yoruba folktales, playful riddles, lively African drumming, and interactive folk songs.
Another Rewrite
19 June – 20 June, Burniston & Cloughton Village Hall
The team from The Last Orders brings you a full-length comedy drama. The cast of a popular radio series are recalled for a late night recording session, due to a last minute rewrite. Things might not go entirely as planned. Includes one interval.
Besieged
20 June, Stephen Joseph Theatre: The Meeting Point
A short play made by three young theatre makers from Eastfield near Scarborough exploring the relationship between young people and their community.
Echo House
21 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
This part-scripted, part-improvised show explores the many paths Hazel (65) and her son (50) might have travelled to return to this house.
Comedy
It Just So Happened: An Alternative History Show
12 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
Three guest comedians/history buffs perform short stand-up sets based ‘on this day’ in history before exploring some possible alternative histories of Scarborough people and events.
The Shambles
12 June – 15 June, YMCA Theatre Bar, YMCA Community Room
A short-form improv comedy show from the University of York’s most street-like improv group.
Richard Pulsford: Gold Fashioned Jokes
12 June – 13 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
This Scarborian’s show is packed full of quality one-liners, wordplay and puns, including ones from the Top Ten Jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe.
Richard Pulsford: Yorkshire Dad, Immigrant Mum
13 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
The multi-award-winning stand-up comedian takes a nostalgic tour into his parents’ past to try to understand how it made them who they were, and so the person who he is. Was it Richard’s Yorkshire Dad and ‘foreign’ Mum who made him, well, ‘funny’?
A History Of The Last Conservative Government, In Their Own Stupid Words
13 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
Harun Musho’d reads from the memoirs of David Cameron, Theresa May, Liz Truss, Matt Hancock and Boris Johnson. he fact-checks them. You laugh. That’s the show.
Absolutely! One-Liner Jokes!
13 June, Craft Bar
A one-liner solo comedy show about the important things in life, through quickfire jokes in a down-to-earth style of humour.
A Political Brunch
13 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
Political comedy panel show chaired by Harun Musho’d with up to four comedians and the audience. ★★★★ (The National)
Forced Rhubarb
13 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
From the ancient past to the far future in under an hour, while learning nothing – guaranteed!
Absolute Bus Stops of Northern Europe and Beyond
14 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
Grab a ticket and climb aboard for a multimedia journey celebrating the overlooked magic, mystery and beauty of bus stops. Learn the secrets of the Bus Stop Rating System, and so much more.
The Dead Ducks
16 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
The University of York’s best sketch troupe preview their new show for the upcoming Edinburgh Fringe.
Divinity’s Haus of Spirits: Medium Rare
18 June, Haus of S&M
Medium? More extra large, darls! Psychic, spiritual guru and the self-proclaimed Queen of Our Souls. Divinity contacts t’other side with help from her ‘likkle angels’. Accuracy not guaranteed, but laughter likely.
Best of Scarborough Fringe Comedy
19 June – 20 June, Haus of S&M
A specially-selected line-up of hilarious stand-up comedians comes to Scarborough for a show guaranteed to deliver fun and laughter.
Aidan Jones: Chopin’s Nocturne
19 June, Stephen Joseph Theatre: The Meeting Point
At 18 I failed my conservatory audition. So I took up comedy. Classical music, presented with jokes by a bald, Australian ****head with a beard. Best Show Nominee Leicester Comedy Festival ‘Sidesplittingly funny’ (Guardian). ★★★★★ (List).
Humdinger Words for Lollygaggers and Fuddy-Duddies
20 June – 21 June, YMCA Community Room
Ben Dali’s comedy-cabaret poetry party, packed with wordplay, hilarious gags, mind-blowing trivia and even rhyming magic. Amazingly entertaining shocks and twists await you round every corner in this genre-busting extravaganza.
It’s Not Cluedo
20 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
There’s been a murder! But we’re not ripping off a board game – YOU decide the setting, and choose your own list of suspects, weapons and locations.
Selena Mersey: Bisexuelle
20 June – 21 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
A misunderstood femme fatale. A detective with more cigarettes than brain cells. A shocking twist.
All-New Nik Coppin
20 June – 21 June, Haus of S&M
The globetrotting comedian comes to Scarborough with a fun show packed with jovial banter of all new material, and invites the audience to judge how good, bad or great it is.
Music
The Lounge
13 June, Beckview Studios: Studio
Intimate live music event at Beckview Studios. A curated line-up of artists performing in a recording studio setting. Professionally recorded, filmed, and live-streamed. Join the live studio audience and be part of the recording experience.
Bloodlines & Ballads By Songbird Anna
14 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
An intimate and captivating performance of original songs and storytelling by Songbird Anna.
Songs for the Scarborough 400
14 June, Scarborough Market Hall
Four centuries of songs to celebrate Scarborough’s 400-year history as a seaside resort in this momentous anniversary year. Expect four-part harmonies and a seaside favourite or two in this lively and tuneful concert by a thriving local choir.
Scarborough Jazz
17 June, The Crescent Lounge
Local favourites Stony Jazz, with Rich Adams on vocals, Mark Gordon on piano and a six-piece band – the perfect introduction for the ‘jazz curious’ with plenty of songs you’ll recognise.
Musical Serenade at St Mary’s
19 June, St Mary’s Parish Church
Vocal quartet Bill Scott & Friends with guest flautist Kathy Seabrook in an eclectic programme of music from classical and swing to ballads, folk, jazz and classic pop.
Still Life – Songs by John Pattison
19 June, Woodend Gallery & Studios
An evening of original, moving, funny songs with beautiful melodies and thought provoking lyrics from the pen of International Film and Theatre composer John Pattison. He will be joined for this performance by singer Josephine Rowe.
A Sound Bath For The Soul – Soft Singing
20 June, Woodend Gallery & Studios
Local favourites Stony Jazz, with Rich Adams on vocals, Mark Gordon on piano and a six-piece band – the perfect introduction for the ‘jazz curious’ with plenty of songs you’ll recognise.
Recorded Delivery
20 June, Old Parcels Office
Marking the launch of Sound of Scarborough Vol III – a night of original music from some of the Yorkshire Coast’s finest purveyors of all genres.
Musical Serenade at St Martin’s
20 June, St Martin-on-the-Hill
Mezzo soprano Victoria Wright is joined by guest soloists Mike Leigh and Dan Nichol performing extracts from your favourite operas and musicals, including My Fair Lady, West Side Story and Oliver, amongst others. Introducing The Voice Lounge singers.
Carter Sampson
20 June, Woodend Gallery & Studios
Sampson has released six studio albums including her newest release GOLD. Sampson’s 2016 release Wilder Side received international attention and was No. 3 on the Euro Americana year-end chart for 2016.
Bonus Tracks
21 June, Old Parcels Office
Following the launch of Sound of Scarborough Vol III, this is a relaxed afternoon of original music from the Yorkshire Coast, featuring local songwriters and bands in a unique setting.
Literature & Spoken Word
Gobby Lass: Still Talking To YouThe Lounge
14 June – 15 June, Beeforth’s Hive
Gobby Lass, Lizzie Lovejoy, is back again and they just cannot seem to shut up. This vocal, local yacker will take to the stage with a new set of spoken word and stand-up poetry stories about life as a loud mouth Northern Lass.
A Word in Your Ear
16 June – 20 June, Scarborough Library: Small Room
Join local poet-performer and self confessed ‘riot woman’ Suzie Millar as she pokes, probes and reflects on a range of topical contemporary issues and a childhood in NI. An older women herself, she believes they ‘have much to say/ain’t done yet/won’t sit quiet upon the shelf!’
East Meets West
17 June, Beeforth’s Hive
A group of Scarborough poets performing their own, original work about everything coastal and seaside-themed.
I am Dyslexic & Proud
19 June – 20 June, Scarborough Library: Small Room, North Bay Playhouse
Presentation talk with Q&A and poetry event using PowerPoint visuals about my adventures having dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, slight ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and navigating my everyday.
Poetry Salon – Live at the SJT
19 June, Stephen Joseph Theatre: The Meeting Point
A seventy-minute showcase of local poet-performers. Content may include emotional and complex themes.
Betty used to say…
20 June, Scarborough Library: Small Room
A one-woman spoken word show honouring a twelve-year friendship with a woman who lived to be 100. Told through poetry, monologues and anecdotes, the show celebrates Betty’s wisdom, humour and the lasting lessons she passed on.
Poems to Make You Smile!
20 June, Woodend Gallery & Studios
Four Scarborough poets – Shirley Field, Ann Gibbon, Sue Grogan, and Rob Tyson – are here to entertain you with their warm and inspiring poetry, with some laughs along the way.
A Round 50: Theatre in the Round at Westwood
20 June, Woodend Gallery & Studios
Historian Simon Murgatroyd looks back on Theatre in The Round’s move to Westwood and the venue’s cultural impact on the town.
We’ve Always Been Here – A Creative Writing Workshop
20 June, Woodend Gallery & Studios
Whether you are an absolute beginner or have been writing for years, come along to this LGBTQ+ friendly writing workshop and create stories prompted by Scarborough and North Yorkshire’s queer history.
Edith Sitwell’s Theatre & Façade
20 June, Woodend Gallery & Studios
Historian Simon Murgatroyd looks back on Theatre in The Round’s move to Westwood and the venue’s cultural impact on the town.
Children & Youth
Humdinger Words for Whippersnappers and Guttersnipes
20 June – 21 June, YMCA Community Room
Comedy! Cabaret! Poetry! Magic! Ben Dali welcomes the whole family into his poetic classroom for a joyous hour of trivia, mind reading, MegaLOLs and SuperWOWs. Kids get to share their own poems too.
Enchanted Story Trails
13 June – 14 June, Scarborough Library – Children’s Library, Sha-Ka
In this new form of interactive and immersive storytelling, children seek out each part of the fast-moving story in a different hollow book hidden somewhere within the space.
Workshops
Memory Rug Weaving: Turning Clothes into Stories
12 June – 13 June, Filey Museum
Turn clothes with memories into a beautiful round rug using simple weaving techniques and a hula hoop loom.
Sea Creature Craft Club
13 June, The Crescent Lounge
Join us for another Secret Sub Rosa family-friendly workshop where we jump into the depths of the ocean to create a cluster of creatures from the deep! Get creative with a bunch of sea themed activities and our usual chilled immersive environment.
Fun with Words
17 June – 19 June, Scarborough Library – Children’s Library
Do you like stories? Do you like poems? Do you like writing? Then come along to have some Fun With Words with Sam Rapp the dyslexic poet – making writing fun for all abilities.
Writing a Play with Kat Rose-Martin
20 June, Stephen Joseph Theatre: The Meeting Point
A two-hour workshop for playwrights at all stages of their development with SJT attached playwright Kat-Rose Martin.
Visual Arts
Fish Shop
19 June – 21 June, 49 Newborough
Framed behind glass two fish preside over a curious display of their chosen retail objects. Hovering between installation and performance, the event invites accidental audiences to step into a shop where the exchange of value is both literal and absurd.
Cabaret & Circus
Cabaret of Curiosities
19 June, The Shakespeare Scratch Space by SCBO
Step into the Cabaret of Curiosities – an unforgettable evening of amusement and delight. Hosted by Scarborough’s own award-winning comedy duo The Isolation Creations, with a line-up of extraordinary local talent, you’re in for a night of pure entertainment.
Events & Film
Astro Dog Planetarium
20 June, Scarborough Market Hall: Mezzanine
Join Astro Dog for an immersive planetarium dome experience that will take you on a journey through the solar system and beyond.
Artists’ Brunch
20 June, Scarborough Market Hall: Mezzanine
A short creative catch-up for artists, creatives, and practitioners.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
COMEDY
The Queen, Shakespeare and Me is an affectionate musical comedy tribute. In Jen Strike: Strike by name, the comic takes us on a tour of a northern childhood amidst the backdrop of The Miner’s Strike. Leicester Comedy Festival 2023 nominee Stanley Brooks will be performing his show Stanley Brooks: I Can Make Me Rich. Hollie Noble unveils Janifesto, honouring a powerhouse Mother who defied social norms with empowerment, resilience, and the unconventional. A Fine Line (Work in Progress).
DANCE
EVENTS
LITERATURE & SPOKEN WORD
MUSIC
THEATRE
TOURS
WORKSHOPS
