Don't be surprised by the wide range of theatrical performances and arts venues on offer across the North York Moors.
We are home to a host of popular entertainment venues including the The Stephen Joseph Theatre, home to the most performed living playwright, Alan Ayckbourn. While Helmsley boasts the Helmsley Arts Centre, a thriving performance venue for theatre, music, dance, exhibitions cinema and more!
Be inspired...
Theatre
- If theatre is your scene, Alan Ayckbourn's favourite Stephen Joseph Theatre, housed in Scarborough's 1936 Odeon art deco building, is a cultural icon with an international reputation and a year-round programme of drama, music, comedy, dance, poetry and films.
- Rural North York Moors is not forgotten either. Don’t miss the chance of an evening at the Esk Valley Theatre in Glaisdale – a gem of a small independent venue with a surprisingly adventurous programme during the month of August. Early booking recommended.
- Touring programmes reach even the most rural parts too. Rural Arts' ON Tour brings professional performing acts to rural communities and village halls across the North York Moors. Experience high quality theatre, comedy, music, pantomime, and puppetry in intimate settings.
Arts centres
- Over in Coxwold is the wonderful Shandy Hall. The former home of the 18th-century novelist Laurence Sterne, now housing a museum and gallery, Shandy Hall is the venue for regular events, exhibitions and installations that channel Sterne’s playful spirit using contemporary media.
- Home to Malton Museum and Malton's Monthly Food Market, the Milton Rooms is reinventing itself as a major arts centre and hub for cultural and community led activities. Expect an eclectic arts programme including Ryedale Book Festival, as well as theatre, comedy, dance, and exhibitions. Malton is also home to the Palace Cinema, an art deco gem of a cinema showing mainstream and art-house releases, as well as live ballet, opera and theatre streamings.
- We can’t end without mentioning a veteran of the region’s arts scene: Helmsley Arts Centre. Situated in an old Quaker meeting house, it's been operating as a venue since 1993. The building was destroyed by fire in 2000, but rebuilt and reopened the following year. Initially a small-scale enterprise staffed by volunteers, it now has a 140-seat auditorium and 40-seat studio and exhibition space, and has a varied programme of cinema, live music, theatre performances, community plays, comedy clubs, art exhibitions and workshops/classes – proof that from small beginnings come great things.
Catch of flavour of other festivals and events happening throughout the year, great museums and quality galleries in the North York Moors too.