The Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough has unveiled the first wave of productions for its 2026 season, including a riotous in-house musical and four exciting visiting shows.
Leading the line-up is Murder for Two, a fast-paced musical whodunit running from 28 March to 18 April. This award-winning Broadway hit features two actors playing 13 characters—and the piano—in a madcap murder mystery that puts the laughter into manslaughter.
When celebrated novelist Arthur Whitney is found dead at his birthday party, Officer Marcus Moscowicz, a neighbourhood cop with big dreams, steps in to crack the case before the real detective arrives.
“Murder for Two is gloriously silly, devilishly clever and fantastically funny,” says the Stephen Joseph Theatre. The show features book and music by Joe Kinosian, book and lyrics by Kellen Blair, and is directed by Caroline Leslie.
Also joining the 2026 programme are four visiting productions:
The Em Show: Tales from a Little Laughing Lesbian (13 February) is a one-woman comedy show from Em Stroud, blending stand-up, improv and clowning. “Uplifting, bold, and wildly funny, this is a show for everyone (yes, even non-lesbians!),” says the press release.
Martin Carthy and Eliza Carthy (21 February) bring their rich musical heritage to the stage. Martin, recently the oldest artist ever nominated for a Mercury Music Prize, joins his daughter Eliza for a night of traditional and contemporary folk music.
Night & Day: Sam Jewison sings Cole Porter (7 March) sees the acclaimed singer and pianist perform timeless classics from the Great American Songbook, fresh from New York’s Lincoln Center.
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists (16 April) is a one-person adaptation of Robert Tressell’s classic novel, performed by Neil Gore with live music, projection and political conjuring tricks.
Tickets for all shows go on general sale at 10am on Wednesday 8 October. Listings and ticket information can be found here.
