Scarborough Open Air Theatre (commonly abbreviated the SOAT or OAT) is an outdoor theatre in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England. It was built in Northstead Manor Gardens in 1932, and originally closed in 1986 but was reopened in May 2010.
.jpg) Scarborough Open Air Theatre in 2014 | |
 | |
| Address | Northstead Manor Gardens Burniston Road YO12 6PF Scarborough England |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 54°17′42″N 0°24′43″W / 54.295°N 0.412°W |
| Type | Outdoor theatre |
| Capacity | 8,000 |
| Current use | Multi-use |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1932 |
| Rebuilt | 2010 |
| Years active | 1932–1986; 2010– |
| Website | |
| Official website | |
Renovation
edit.jpg)
In 2008, planning permission was received for a major renovation.[1] The £3.5 million scheme to transform the Open Air Theatre was completed in May 2010.[2][3]
When it reopened in 2010 the capacity of the theatre was 6,500 but this was increased to 8,000 in 2017 when the lake area was covered over.[4]
Events
editThe venue stages a mixed entertainment programme including music concerts, opera productions and community events. Many British and international acts perform here.[5]
During the World Cup 2010, all England football matches were shown live on a large TV screen for free.
In September 2017 music promoters Cuffe & Taylor signed a ten-year deal with the borough council to bring concerts to the venue for the next ten years.[6]
90,000 people attended concerts at the venue in 2018[7] setting a new audience record for the venue and bringing an estimated £7 million to the local economy.[8]
In December 2018 the venue was used to host the Scarborough Sparkle Christmas event with an ice rink and Christmas market.[9]
On Saturday 23 July 2022, Irish pop band Westlife headed on with their "The Wild Dreams Tour".
116,606 people attended 18 concerts, during the 2024 season, which was curtailed in September, with the group, Busted. A record breaking figure.
Royal re-opening
editThe theatre was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on 20 May 2010.[10]
References
edit- ^ "Open Air Theatre Scarborough". Theatres Trust. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
- ^ "Scarborough's Open Air Theatre". Scarborough Evening News. 11 January 2010. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
- ^ "Borough News Winter". Scarborough Borough Council.[dead link]
- ^ "Good News for Scarborough's Open Air Theatre". Yorkshire Coast Radio. 19 January 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
- ^ "Paul Reveals Vision for Open Air Theatre". Scarborough Evening News.
- ^ "Scarborough OAT Concerts Confirmed For Next Ten Years". Yorkshire Coast Radio. 12 September 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
- ^ "Record-Breaking Summer Season For Scarborough OAT". Yorkshire Coast Radio. 23 August 2018. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
- ^ "OAT Brings £7m Boost to Scarborough". Yorkshire Coast Radio. 12 October 2018. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
- ^ "Start Of Scarborough Sparkle Event At The Open Air Theatre". Yorkshire Coast Radio. 30 November 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
- ^ "Queen opens Scarborough open air theatre". BBC News. 20 May 2010. Retrieved 21 May 2010.
External links
edit
Media related to Scarborough Open Air Theatre at Wikimedia Commons
