Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre Secures £2.7 Million In Major Funding Boost

Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre is among several Yorkshire Coast venues to receive a share of a multi-million-pound government investment to improve access to arts and culture.

Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre has been awarded £2.7 million from the Arts Council Creative Foundations Fund to carry out a full refurbishment of its McCarthy Auditorium, which hosts live shows and cinema screenings.

The work is planned to take place during the summer of 2027. While shows will go ahead as usual in the Round auditorium, the McCarthy will be closed for some months while the work takes place. The funding will also enable the venue to complete critical maintenance work on its roof and air handling units.

The Joint Chief Executives of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Caroline Routh and Paul Robinson, said:

"We’re absolutely delighted to receive this funding from the Creative Foundations Fund. Along with the other grants announced today, it’s a real investment in, not just our future, but that of Scarborough and, further afield, Yorkshire and the Humber.

We’ll be using the money to refurbish the McCarthy, including upgrading the existing, original seats, installing new toilets and a bar, creating a breakout space for our dementia-friendly work, and making the whole space more accessible and wheelchair-friendly.

It will also enable us to complete our ongoing work on our roof, which has persistent leaks, and our air handling units, which will mean we can control temperatures within the building more efficiently and sustainably."

The Scarborough venue is one of 130 cultural venues, museums, and libraries across the country set to benefit from a £127.8 million funding boost from the Labour Government's Arts Everywhere Fund. The overarching £1.5 billion package aims to support cultural infrastructure projects and save cherished heritage buildings across England.

The venue, which is North Yorkshire’s only producing theatre and home to playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn, received the region’s biggest share of the scheme.

Scarborough and Whitby Member of Parliament, Alison Hume, recently visited the venue to see the planned maintenance areas firsthand.

Alison Hume said:

"Our local arts and cultural space, like the wonderful Stephen Joseph Theatre, are at the heart of our community.

They help bring people together to celebrate everything that’s wonderful about the place where we live. That’s why they serve all of us, regardless of background, circumstances, or upbringing.

This funding will help secure the SJT’s future, improving access and ensuring it continues to serve local people for years to come.

I’ve seen for myself firsthand that without the desperately needed investment, the patched-up roof will continue to leak, putting the entire theatre at risk, and the beautiful Art Deco McCarthy Theatre will remain inaccessible to many members of Scarborough’s community.

After years of underinvestment, this Labour government is backing our cultural institutions and recognising the vital role they play in our communities.

They provide opportunities for so many and also boost our local economies."

Other venues in the region to receive funding include Ryedale Folk Museum, which has been awarded £350,676 from the Museum Estate and Development Fund, and Burton Constable Hall, which receives £242,000. East Riding Libraries will also benefit from £300,000 through the Libraries Improvement Fund.

The Labour Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, welcomed the funding, noting that the Scarborough Theatre Trust received one of the biggest funding boosts of any venue in Yorkshire. He said:

"Millions of people flock to York and North Yorkshire every year to enjoy our ancient cities, stunning seaside towns, gorgeous countryside, and charming market towns. Visitors and residents alike have access to some of the best cultural venues in the country, like Scarborough Theatre, Yorkshire Museum, and the Ryedale Folk Museum.

This government knows how important it is for people to access the arts, so this funding is going to strengthen their offer and make sure more people can enjoy some of our best theatres and museums."

The Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, said the funding will help provide welcoming and affordable spaces for communities as the cost of living continues to affect families. She said:

"Across the country, people take real pride in where they come from. Our local arts, museums and libraries are a big part of that, telling our stories, reflecting who we are, and bringing communities together.

That's why our Arts Everywhere Fund matters. We're backing the places people care about most, with support for 130 venues across the country announced today.

Arts and culture aren't a luxury for a privileged few. They are for everyone, everywhere. They bring people together, open doors, and support our shared sense of belonging. That's the role they can play as we build a stronger future for our country."

The Area Director for the North at Arts Council England, Rebecca Ball, said:

"Our museums, libraries and arts organisations have the power to change lives.

They give us access to new worlds, teach us about our heritage and give us new perspectives on life. I’m so pleased that we’ll be supporting so many of our cultural organisations in the North with this capital investment, which will ensure that they can continue to deliver incredible arts and culture to their communities."