Major Theatre Award for Scarborough

Our very own Stephen Joseph Theatre is celebrating after winning a major, national award for its Christmas family show.

Last year’s Beauty and the Beast, directed by the SJT’s Artistic Director Paul Robinson, was named Best Show for Children and Young People at the 2024 UK Theatre Awards at the weekend.

The awards celebrate the very best of theatre across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, recognising creative excellence and outstanding work both on and off stage.

The award was accepted by writer Nick Lane, along with the SJT’s Executive Director, Caroline Routh. Nick says: “I’m chuffed, I really am. Mostly because it’s a proper team effort. I’m so lucky – every year, there are amazing actors, a phenomenal creative team and just the best audiences ever.

©Tony Bartholomew

“Something like this is great recognition, and if winning this award means we get to keep making more daft stuff for the people of Scarborough, then whatever one up from chuffed is, I’ll be that!”

The SJT’s Artistic Director, Paul Robinson, who directed Beauty and the Beast, says: “For Scarborough this award is really meaningful, as it demonstrates that a show that was made entirely for them is also worthy of a national award. It’s about pride.”

The theatre is about to go into rehearsals for its upcoming Christmas family show, Aladdin, again written by Nick Lane and designed by Helen Coyston.