Scarborough Spy

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

09/04/2025

SPY THEATRE REVIEW: Love’s Labour’s Lost at the Stephen Joseph Theatre

By Spy features editor Sharon Procter

AN EVENING OF uproarious laughter, 90s bangers and a trip to the party isle of Ibiza are all on offer when the bard meets the Backstreet Boys in the SJT’s rip-roaring production of Love’s Labour’s Lost (More or Less).

In this modern-day musical version of one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, writers Nick Lane and Elizabeth Godber, with the help of director Paul Robinson, apply their magic touch once again to put their own spin on the 16th century comedy.

It follows their successful run of A Comedy of Errors (More or Less) in 2023 and it’s evident the pair love working together to create these hysterical treasures.

The versatile and hard-working cast of eight actors – five of whom have appeared at the SJT before – must be exhausted by the end of each high-energy performance. They act, sing, dance and remember some, at times, rather tricky Shakespeareanesque dialogue.

A group of hens end up meeting up with their stags in Ibiza when the Malaga hotel they were booked into is condemned just before they set off. The groom-to-be’s father-in-law, who is footing the bill, insists on the lads signing a contract to swear they will not go near any lasses for the three-day duration.

However, the declaration becomes impossible to stick to when Ferdy’s bride-to-be Yvette turns up with her chums.

It’s a tale of unrequited love, mistaken love and true love, set to thumping tunes and excellent dance routines. A big shout out to choreographer Stephanie Dattani and musical director Alex Weatherhill for creating such a fun atmosphere.

David Kirkbride, playing Armado, the hapless owner of the Sun Park Holiday Resort, gives a hilarious performance of Britney Spears’ mega-hit ‘Baby One More Time’ as he professes undying love for the fitness instructor.

All the actors have amazing singing voices and from belting out the ballads to the blasters, they had the audience whooping, waving, singing and clapping along.

No, it’s not highbrow Shakespeare and purists may be outraged but for those who want to be entertained, relive their youth through this 90s hit-fest and have a great night out, it’s a no-brainer.

Local theatres have to put bums on seats to keep viable and relevant and the SJT is constantly evolving with its varied and diverse offerings.

The whole audience rose to their feet to give the hard-working and talented actors (and I’m sure that extended to every single person in the company) a well-deserved standing ovation – something I’ve not seen the likes of at the SJT since the brilliant Michael Gambon gave an unforgettable performance in Taking Steps back in 1990.

The question is … would the bard be spinning in his grave at this version of his play, or would he be chuckling along, tapping his toes and clapping his hands to the beat of this unorthodox twist of the tale?

Whilst you ponder that… in the words of the Spice Girls: “I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want.”
More of your side-splitting Shakespeare adaptations please, Nick Lane and Elizabeth Godber. I can’t wait for the next one!

Showing at the SJT until 19 April. For tickets contact the box office: 01723 370541 or book online at sjt.uk.com.

Photos: Patch Dolan

20/03/2025

Here's a not-so-quick between-issues chronological update of upcoming dates that didn't make it into issue 8. Plus a reminder that it's your last chance to catch The Feens (this cutting from Spy issue 3)... and they're not the only local band bowing out and throwing a final big do. Read on to find out more...

Sun 23 Mar, 6-8pm, Acoustic Sunday Session with Jesse Caine, Crescent Lounge – Covers and originals in a laid-back atmosphere. Food till 9pm. Free; The Crescent Lounge

Fri 28 Mar, 6.30pm, Open evening for Scarborough Yacht Club at the Lighthouse – Find out how to take up sailing and see inside the lighthouse, which is home to the Yacht Club. Bar, info, activities, tours of the lighthouse and an opportunity to sign up for a taster day of sailing the following afternoon (Sat 29). All welcome; enter by the door on the end of the building and go up the stairs. Free

Sat 29 Mar, 7.30-11.30pm, Jack Robertson album launch, Crescent Lounge – Celebrating the release of Jack’s original album, Danube Blues, written in Bratislava and inspired by folk and blues. Jack and his band – Lewis Ward and Joe Gardham on bass and drums – will perform the album from start to finish. Free

Sun 30 Mar, 6-8pm, Acoustic Sunday Session with Julia Wray and John Watton, Crescent Lounge – Excellent sax and guitar duo, ideal for winding down the weekend. Free

Mon 7 Apr, 10am, Sha-ka re-opens under new management – Fans of this superb Hawaiian-inspired cafe on York Place, started by Cherry Pashby and Stu Butler during the pandemic, will be excited to hear that new incumbents Tim and Ruth will continue to serve up tacos, poke bowls, delicious cakes and coffee; extending to five days a week (Fri-Tues). If you want to catch a last visit while Cherry and Stu are still there, hurry up – and you might need to book! Facebook Sha-ka Coffee House & Eatery

Sat 5 Apr, 7pm, Scarborough Spa, last chance to see The Feens – Spy listed this gig in the Mar/Apr issue, then bumped into a Feen on a night out to discover it is their final appearance. Expect a night of guitar-driven anthems and hometown spirit… for the last time. Supported by Sunbeam, The North and Bad Luck Brian, the latter of which has also announced their intention to split (see below). Fans of these ace Scarborough outfits had better stuff their pockets with hankies; could be an emotional night. From £15; scarboroughspa.co.uk

Sat 5 to 26 Apr, Wed-Sat, 11am-3pm, Gallery 6 – Len Hodgson: Wheeltracks Drawings and paintings in this intimate, friendly gallery and arty bookshop on Victoria Road.

Wed 9 Apr, 8.30pm, Music Night at the Leeds Arms. Oops... mistakenly listed in issue 8 as Tues 8. Free; Leeds Arms Scarborough

Sat 19 Apr, 9.45pm, Bad Luck Brian’s farewell gig at the Merchant – Better get in the door early – this will be heaving. Free; The Merchant Irish Bar

22 Apr, Summer term starts at Language for Fun – Learn from scratch or brush up on your French, Spanish or Italian in sociable, fun, relaxed adult groups with multilingual Alison Wraight in the centre of town. 07986 534709; [email protected]

Sat 26 Apr, 11am, Staxton Singers at Scarborough Market Hall – Uplifting four-part harmonies from this Scarborough choir – which celebrates 40 years this summer. Free; Staxton Singers

03/03/2025

Spy's new edition is out! Issue 8 was posted or delivered to subscribers at the end of last week, with a section of the beautiful Blands Cliff murals on the front. Within, you can read the inspiring story of how they were created.

Pick up your copy in the usual places... as ever, supplies are limited. I will top up at the libraries and Market Hall now and then during the month, but the best way to guarantee to get your hands on every issue is to subscribe (£16/year): just message me here or send an email to scarboroughspy @ gmail.com to find out how.

Inside issue 8 you will find...
– 21 pages of what's on listings for March and April, detailing everything from Scarborough Film Festival to myriad music nights
– Interviews with Bill Scott and Vince Townsend, both central in their different ways to Scarborough's music scene
– Stories on this weekend's exhibition, Last Train to Whitby (6-7 Mar, Library); padel tennis vs pickle ball; young triple jump star Ben Foulger; poetry queen Ann Gibbon and more
– Q&A with our cover star, Shirley Sheppard of Blandscliff Gallery, not only an accomplished artist and sculptor in her own right but the mastermind behind the amazing Blands Cliff murals, as vibrant today as when painted (the first of them 23 years ago)
– Tim Tubbs's second splendid instalment on Bertie, Prince of Wales
– Shortlist/restaurants: a pre-theatre feast at the Bellyrub and Eat Me Cafe
– Shortlist/shopping: irresistible treats at Arosa Confiserie and Crofts Chocolates
– New! Foodie focus with new writer Sharon Procter: review of The Distiller's Lounge
– Storylines: No Justice, a gripping crime novel by Scarborough author Kate Evans, set right on our doorstep