Scarborough Spy

Scarborough Spy A handy A5 what's on magazine, with cover art by a Scarborough artist (interviewed within), plus articles about local life. Printed eight times a year.

Delivered direct to subscribers and distributed to selected cafes, venues and public places.

Various appealing October goings-on have come to Spy’s radar weeks after the Sept/Oct mag went out. Here’s a round up, s...
03/10/2025

Various appealing October goings-on have come to Spy’s radar weeks after the Sept/Oct mag went out. Here’s a round up, starting TONIGHT from 7pm with…

> Tapstock, Fri 3-Sun 5 Oct, The Tap&Spile Scarborough, Falsgrave – a weekend musical feast: programme on the photo (NB Mark Stanley replaces Fuzz Junkies)
> Also tonight… until 10.30pm and Sat 4, 1-10.30pm, funfair, William St Coach Park
Oct cinema at Stephen Joseph Theatre – Downton Abbey, The Roses, lopera, theatre and musical theatre screenings, classic treats and ‘Fright fest’ series
> Music at The Cask & Keg Scarborough, newly opened with revamped Cask Club in basement – Sats, some Fris and open mic Weds, from Beetlebug + Luka to Deep Sea Daggers to Alastair James - Singer Songwriter Musician to Graham Watson… programme
> Sat 11-Sun 12 Oct, Scarborough Streets Autumn Edition, The Scarborough Fair – free music, theatre, dance and magic around the town, in partnership with Stephen Joseph Theatre
> Sat 11 Oct-21 Dec, Scarborough Art Winter edition, The Scarborough Fair – exhibitions, installations and workshops: find more details of Nov/Dec dates in Spy’s Nov/Dec issue; meanwhile, October’s programme will be viewable at soon at scarboroughfair.uk
> Fri 17 Oct, 6pm, Emily Gaskell plays at Hartleys Cafe at Scarborough Rugby Union Football Club
> Sun 19 Oct, 7pm, open evening at Scarborough Sub Aqua Club 83, 25 St Mary’s St, next to Leeds Arms Scarborough
> Wed 22 Oct, The Penguin Lessons at Scalby Cinema at the Temperance Hall Scalby (scalbycinema.co.uk)
> Wed 29-Fri 31 Oct, Hallowscream Express haunted ghost train rides on Scarborough North Bay Railway

PLUS some reminders of rare upcoming chances…
> Sat 11 Oct: new exhibition, Unsettled Grounds, at Old Parcels Office Artspace featuring Scarborough artists such as Kane Cunningham and Molly Newham among others, exploring connection with landscape
> Tues 14 Oct, 7.15pm: Memoir-writing workshop with Wendy Pratt (author of The Ghost Lake; see Storylines, Spy issue 10) at Newby & Scalby Library, hosted by Scarborough Writers' Circle (for more on this thriving group, see p25 of current Spy); £4 guests
> Fri 17 Oct, 7.30pm: The Nutcracker ballet in the Grand Hall at Scarborough Spa from Imperial Classical Ballet

PLUS… Spy social hour is back for autumn/winter/spring: I’ll be at Deli Delicious at Scarborough Market Hall & Vaults from 11am-noon on Tues, 14 Oct. Bring a letter, a poem, cash for a subscription (£16/year), a story idea… or just come and say hello!

Here’s the cover of Sept/Oct Spy, a joyous artwork by Mary Naylor celebrating activity on the water, with the castle hea...
03/09/2025

Here’s the cover of Sept/Oct Spy, a joyous artwork by Mary Naylor celebrating activity on the water, with the castle headland and sunshine as a backdrop, inviting us to make the most of the back end of this beautiful summer. Covering two months, this is the largest edition yet at 44 pages. Subscribers’ copies landed a few days ago and the issue is now out at the usual places around town. Inside you will find…

– 23 pages of what’s on listings, plus interviews with the people behind various Sept/Oct gigs, exhibitions, talks and events, including… Paul Nash and Maethelyiah of The Danse Society Official, Mark Gordon, director of Scarborough Jazz Festival, and Molly Newham, curator of the Old Parcels Office Artspace autumn heritage exhibition; James Koppert, podcaster on the paranormal; The Ivy Cavern's Kate Pick, creator of the Scarborough Ghost, and Charlotte Hill - Arts, Design, Crafts, whose mural has transformed a corner of the Market Hall. Plus: Chris Hall on Heritage Open Days, Sue Grogan on Scarborough Writers' Circle and Ellie Evans on Scarborough's new parkrun UK and Scarborough Library (back issues of Spy now available to browse there on request btw).
– Tribute to entertainment maestro Tony Peers of Tony Peers Ltd
– Cover artist: Mary Naylor (https://marynaylor.format.com), whose eyes were first opened to community artworks in Bogota, Columbia
– Made in Scarborough: Lee Threadgold and Dawn Dyson-Threadgold of Animated Objects, whose next big event is Moonlight on the Lake at Peasholm Park
– Tim Tubbs on Sir Alfred Fripp, the royal medic who attended Prince Albert Victor in 1890 during his stay at the Royal Hotel
– Shortlist, food & drink: very highly commended – Wolds Restaurant at Orchard Lodge Wolds Restaurant and Accommodation, the fine-dining spot in Flixton nominated by diners for a Good Food Award for the third year running; and Askim’s, the Mediterranean place on Huntriss Row that sits almost constantly at the top of the Tripadvisor rankings
– Shortlist, Huntriss Row gents’ clothing – Streffords (https://www.facebook.com/p/Streffords-100063664554980/) and David Scaife Menswear, two family-run independents, with rich history and a dynamic, forward-thinking approach
– Storylines: The Famous (and Forgotten) Five Funicular Railways of Scarborough, a fascinating history by Amy Bartle of the family-owned Central Tramway Co (look out for Heritage Open Days there this month)

Enjoy it all!

PS Spy accidentally omitted a fab-looking exhibition that’s on this month at Gallery 6 on Victoria Rd (5-27 Sept, Wed-Sat 11am-3pm). All are welcome at the preview this Sat, 5.30-8pm.

This is the cover of August Spy, with a beautiful illustration of the Clock Tower by Alex Anderson of Homebird House. It...
07/08/2025

This is the cover of August Spy, with a beautiful illustration of the Clock Tower by Alex Anderson of Homebird House. It has been out for more than a week - sorry for the late notice: still a few to pick up in some of the usual places if you are quick...

Here's what you'll find inside:
- 17 pages of what's on listings, from music to talks to activities, plus stories of the people who make it all happen
- Behind the scenes with the wonderful Scarborough Spa Orchestra, which plays seven times a week at Scarborough Spa until 17 September (and the forecast for the next Suncourt performances, Sun-Wed, looks amazing btw)
- Charlotte Oliver names her top five Scarborough things and places: she's among the poets to appear at the weekly August Sunday afternoon Music and Poetry in the Italian Gardens
- Q&A with cover artist Alex Anderson
- Scarborough Lives: Tim Tubbs on the early pierrots, showbiz entrepreneurs of the late 19th century
- Shortlist/food & drink: seaside cafes, part 3 - The Watermark Cafe and Regal Lady Bar & Museum
- Shortlist/shopping: St Nicholas St boutiques - Ginger & Gray and Cosmetique in Scarborough
- Storylines: Simon Murgatroyd's limited-edition new book, A Theatrical Revolution: Celebrating Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre – plus an illuminating interview with the author

Enjoy!

Word has reached Spy of Language For Fun's weekly summer reading groups, which start tomorrow (Tues 15 July) and run mos...
14/07/2025

Word has reached Spy of Language For Fun's weekly summer reading groups, which start tomorrow (Tues 15 July) and run most weeks until the end of Sept. Join in if you want to chat with locals next time you go to a French-, Italian- or Spanish-speaking country – or just to connect with fellow linguists here. Timings as follows...

Tues: French 2-3.15pm, Italian 3.15-4.30pm and French 6.30-7.45pm
Wed: Spanish 4.45-6pm, Italian 6-7.15pm
Thurs: Spanish 5.30-6.45pm

Among the books teacher Alison has in store is the Italian edition of Glenda Young - Author's second Scarborough book (Curtain Call at the Seaview Hotel) – a definite Spy fave. Sign up to a group by contacting Alison ([email protected] or 07986 534709).

Plus... if anyone fancies another mind-expanding activity this week, head to the Scarborough Business Ambassadors breakfast (Wed 16 July, 8am, Scarborough UTC, £12) to learn about the F1 in Schools (STEM Racing HQ) team from Scarborough UTC who are due to represent the UK at the World Finals in Singapore in September.

At the UK national finals this bright young team scored more points than any team in the competition’s history. Meet these young champions, see the tech in action, get hands-on with their race car and try your own timed run. The event is raising funds to help the team get out to Singapore. Book here:

Book Tickets for SBA Breakfast: Eating Breakfast to help the STEM Racing Team get to Singapore . Event starts on Wed, 16 Jul, 2025 at 08:00 am and happening at Scarborough UTC, Scarborough, EN. Register or Buy Tickets, Price information.

Spy dropped in to the Cliff Lift's 150th anniversary celebrations yesterday (and for a lift up the hill) - it looks fab,...
06/07/2025

Spy dropped in to the Cliff Lift's 150th anniversary celebrations yesterday (and for a lift up the hill) - it looks fab, with such a happy atmosphere and loads to see and do in the Ocean Room at Scarborough Spa. It's on again today - thoroughly recommended, and even better if you can get to the talk by Adrian Riley on the touching stories behind the metal tram tickets fixed to the wall by the pedestrian tunnel, or catch music by 5 Star Brass and Bennett/Cousins Music (the latter in the lift itself). The action starts at 11am today. Enjoy!

Also... here's a change of date and an additions to Spy's July listings:

- Kathy Seabrook's Fun Music in Shuttleworth Gardens has changed from Tues 15 to Thurs 17 July; 11-11.45am. Bring your little ones - and it's free.

- Top international sax star and radio presenter Jess Gillam brings her ensemble to St Martin-on-the-Hill Church on South Cliff on 17 July at 7pm. Her summer tour goes on to places like New York, Ohio and Germany as well as lots of UK venues. Expect Bach, Bowie, Debussy, Ellington and more. Can't quite believe Spy missed this one; reckon it'll be a highlight of the Ryedale Festival (11-27 July; nearly 60 concerts; lots of great inland venues too). From £2 (U25s) to £26.

Here is the front of July Spy, which went out to subscribers at the end of last week. It's one of the beautiful mosaics ...
29/06/2025

Here is the front of July Spy, which went out to subscribers at the end of last week. It's one of the beautiful mosaics made by Gaby Naptali – and you can find out where it is in Scarborough and what inspired it in the cover artist interview inside.

It'll be distributed to cafes, venues, etc on 1 July (Tues); until then, you might be able to grab a copy at the Market Hall or at Mrs Lofthouse's Emporium, where I've done an early drop in limited numbers.

Here's what you'll find inside...
- Behind the scenes with our cover artist Gabrielle Naptali, who creates incredible mosaics – the latest of which will adorn The Street later this year. It's not too late to take part in making it... and readers can also learn mosaic-making with Gabrielle at The Scarborough Fair this month.
- Q&A with Howard Beaumont, who's excellent (and free!) music afternoons in the Suncourt at Scarborough Spa begin on 16 July.
- Paul Robinson of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, where Pride and Prejudice starts this week, and where rehearsals are underway for Noises Off (Aug-Sept), picks his top five Scarborough things.
- It's 150 years since Britain's first seaside funicular was built - right here in Scarborough. Spy finds out what's happening the weekend of 5-6 July to celebrate, with Animated Objects taking the lead on entertainment, and music from Bennett/Cousins Music and Five Star Brass.
- Preview of an exciting exhibition at Scarborough Library celebrating 70 years of the theatre in the round in Scarborough - in the very room where it all began!
- Summer walks at Dean and Manor Road Cemetery are coming up soon. Dean Sumner, a volunteer there, gives an insider's view.
- Bumper Postbag & Poetry... mostly on Frank Tugwell and Brookholme, with excellent contributions from members of Scarborough & District Civic Society and more!
- Tim Tubbs on Max Jaffa, who led Scarborough Spa Orchestra (whose season starts 27 July) from 1960 to 1987.
- Shortlist: seaside cafes part 2 - Spy visits The Beachcomber and https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Clock-Cafe-100063589152454/?locale=en_GB
- Storylines: an extract from the novel Rare Singles, a captivating tale of friendship and soul music set in Scarborough and out in paperback this week - plus an interview with its acclaimed author, Benjamin Myers, who has been coming here since he was a boy.
- PLUS... 21 pages of what's on listings!

Did anyone spot that we managed to miss June's Scarborough Open Air Theatre dates from the current issue...? A little em...
05/06/2025

Did anyone spot that we managed to miss June's Scarborough Open Air Theatre dates from the current issue...? A little embarrassing. Here's a pic of the slip of paper we added to subscribers' copies, which has details: there wasn't quite time to add it to every copy... Plus another little typo caught our eye that might cause confusion - corrected here in the pic.

In other news, every time a new issue of Spy lands, so do quite a few cardboard boxes and elastic bands. Any takers? Please send a message or comment below.

And finally... great indoor stuff is going on this weekend as we await the return of summer - get along to North Yorkshire Open Studios or Booksbythebeachofficial. If you can't get out and about, tune into episode 2 of North Sea Sound Check from Beckview Studios and Yorkshire Coast Gigs, which came out a few days ago(see report, current issue) – it's just as good as episode 1. You can find it on Beckview's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxQZbY0PYUQ

June Spy is back from the printer and on its way to subscribers today and tomorrow, by mail or by hand. Wider distributi...
29/05/2025

June Spy is back from the printer and on its way to subscribers today and tomorrow, by mail or by hand. Wider distribution over the weekend!

We are so pleased this issue to have a wonderful cover by Grita Gruzdaite, whose eyecatching, intricate work can be seen for around another week in her solo exhibition at Picturesque Framing & Gallery, St John’s Rd, as well as daily all summer at West Pier, where she shares a studio with Capt Ants.

Here’s a round-up of what else you’ll find in the June issue:

Introducing the brilliant new monthly music show, North Sea Sound Check, produced by Beckview Studios and Yorkshire Coast Gigs. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in local music – and the next one is due out on 1 June
A preview of the Scarborough side of North Yorkshire Open Studios (6-8 and 14-15 June). The number of artists exhibiting in town has doubled since last year
Former head of BBC Radio Helen Boaden, patron of Books by the Beach (Booksbythebeachofficial ; 6-8 June) reveals her Top 5 Scarborough things
Spy tries… indoor climbing at Street Rocks, the climbing facility at The Street that has trebled in size this year
Grown in Scarborough: community gardening at Gallows Close Centre – plus details of regular meet-ups at the town’s other thriving community gardens
Scarborough Lives: Tim Tubbs on Frank Tugwell, the architect behind The Futurist and more (last chance to see Back to the Futurist, an exhibition at the Shakespeare Gallery, this Fri/Sat by the way)
Shortlist: Spy visits seaside cafes The Chalet Cafe on North Bay and Bay View Coffee House on South Bay, plus newly opened restaurants Thomas Carr At The Coast on Hoxton Rd and The View at Delmont Hotel at the Delmont Hotel, Blenheim Terrace
In Storylines, read extracts from The Ghost Lake, a powerful memoir by local poet and writer Wendy Pratt
…plus 20 pages of what’s on listings, from music to theatre to activities

Tonight is the night... when Scarborough Jazz moves to its new home at the Spa pub, 45 Victoria Rd. The Cask, which host...
21/05/2025

Tonight is the night... when Scarborough Jazz moves to its new home at the Spa pub, 45 Victoria Rd. The Cask, which hosted its wonderful weekly Wednesday gig for 18 years, and has new owners and has closed for the moment.

Mike and Andrea, who ran the Cask, have taken the tenancy at the Spa and invited Scarborough Jazz to join them there, giving them exclusive use on Wednesday evenings for live music (doors 7.45pm; £5 at the door; occasional £10 gigs with advance booking).

Last week's farewell gig at the venue featured the Gaz Hughes Trio on fine form. Tonight Jon Taylor will play the first night of jazz at the Spa pub, along with the house band, MG3.

Bob Walker, co-founder of Scarborough Jazz and bass player in the house band, says: “We guarantee the welcome will be just as warm as you have come to expect from Scarborough Jazz over the last 41 years. We're looking forward to seeing everyone at our new home. It is probably fitting that our first night is with the ultra laid back Jon Taylor.”

Scarborough Jazz has moved several times in its history, starting at The Elvenhome (later The Stage Door), as Spy found out last year for this attached 40th anniversary article from issue 3 (July 2024).

The summer programme continues as normal – as listed in every issue of Spy and in Scarborough Jazz's excellent gig list. Wishing everyone a fantastic first night at the Spa. Spy is desk-bound as press day for the June issue is tomorrow!

Yesterday Spy enjoyed a Scarborough pub visit with a difference – to be transported back to 1945 and VE Day in the repur...
09/05/2025

Yesterday Spy enjoyed a Scarborough pub visit with a difference – to be transported back to 1945 and VE Day in the repurposed Shakespeare, St Helen's Square, for a brilliant short play and singalong.

Such a lovely evening – sociable, poignant and jolly. Congratulations to all involved in writing, producing, performing and playing. It's on again today (5.30pm and 7pm) and tomorrow (1.30pm, 3pm and 4.30pm) – grab your tickets at https://scbo.littleboxoffice.com or at the door. See also https://www.oldparcelsoffice.org/the-shakespeare/

In the main picture (l-r) are Hollie Noble, David Lomond, Richard Milburn (director), Chris Fairchild, Keane Liley and Sue Wilkinson (writer). On the piano (not pictured) is Andrew Davison and the producer is Andrew Aldis. Sue is also pictured outside the pub (opposite the Market Hall main entrance). Audience fancy dress is optional – but here's Sally Gorham and a friend looking the part in fine style!

May Spy IS OUT... and we are back to monthly for the summer! The issue was posted or delivered to subscribers' doorsteps...
30/04/2025

May Spy IS OUT... and we are back to monthly for the summer! The issue was posted or delivered to subscribers' doorsteps at the end of last week, with this lovely cover by Scarborough graphic designer and artist Adrian Riley. From today you can find it around town in the usual spots. Here's what's inside...

- 20 pages of what's on dates for your diaries, from music, stage and screen to art, talks, tours and activities
- Behind the scenes with local group Raven, who are appearing twice in Scarborough this May, at the Stephen Joseph Theatre (three seats left as I write) and as part of Big Ideas By The Sea
- Q&A with Steve Wallis, who wrote Mod Crop, the musical that's coming to Scarborough Spa at the end of the month
- Interview with Scarborough-born superstar product designer Richard Seymour, who is speaking on 'The Future of the Future' at Big Ideas By The Sea
- Also within the listings pages: Spy meets Chris Metcalfe of Knight Music, whose musical A Nightingale Sang is coming to the YMCA Theatre, Carol Eves, the make-your-own guru from Material Moves and the brilliant team at Dial A Ride
- Read out all about our cover artist, Adrian Riley
- Tim Tubbs on Solomon Theakston, the publisher, printer and entrepreneur of 1800s St Nicholas St
- Shortlist: antique interiors – Spy visits Kirkgate House and Scarborough Antiques Collective
- Shortlist: superior sandwiches – Let It Brie and The Corner Kitchen
- Foodie focus: The Farrier – and more minibreak-on-the-doorstep ideas
- Storylines: Spy meets Glenda Young - Author, creator of the superb 'Seaview' series of cosy crime novels set in Scarborough

Enjoy!

THE DOORS HAVE OPENED for the 2025 season at our Mar/Apr cover artist's beautiful Blandscliff Gallery – and Spy was ther...
17/04/2025

THE DOORS HAVE OPENED for the 2025 season at our Mar/Apr cover artist's beautiful Blandscliff Gallery – and Spy was there to celebrate the official (re)opening by Heather Stoney, who has done the annual honours over a glass of fizz since the first grand opening in 2003. Heather's fantastic head-to-toe pink outfit fitted this joyous occasion perfectly.

Here are some pics of gallery owner, artist and Spy cover star Shirley Sheppard and fellow artists Janine Baldwin, Jill Christie and Elisabeth Bailey (each of them shown with their work as well as together and with Heather). Their wonderful paintings and ceramics speak for themselves – and can be seen in the flesh throughout Easter weekend (noon-5pm, incl Easter Mon), and thereafter Wed-Sun noon-5pm.

You can read all about the gallery, the people whose work is on display and for sale there (of whom those mentioned above are just the start), the colourful murals on the steep cobbled street outside and the people who brought it all to life in the Mar/Apr issue of Spy (only a few copies left here and there in town now).

Spy for one will be making a return visit shortly – and taking in the growing cluster of little galleries nearby at the same time (such as Mandy Apple, Gallery 33, the Shakespeare spaces and those inside the Market Hall). Happy long weekend!

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