Festive film season unveiled for Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre - including Christmas classics and new releases

Film programmer Steve Carle said: “We open with Yorgos Lanthimos’s visionary new film Bugonia – it’s making waves worldwide, hailed as one of the boldest and most original films of the year.

“Music lovers can relive the spirit of rock with The Doors: When You’re Strange, a stunning documentary that dives into the chaos and creativity of Jim Morrison and his legendary band with exclusive added concert footage.http://www.sjt.uk.com

“And of course, a touch of Broadway magic: Wicked: For Good, invites us back to Oz in a spellbinding new chapter that celebrates friendship, courage, and the power of standing together.

“Our Yuletide season sees the Royal Ballet’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker pirouetting back to the screen. For those in search of festive joy, André Rieu’s Merry Christmas brings the world’s most beloved violinist and his orchestra in a concert that captures the magic of the season like no other.

“We’ve two versions of A Christmas Carol. Christmas Karma offers a fresh Bollywood take on the timeless tale, a new feel-good favourite destined to become a Christmas tradition, while The Muppet Christmas Carol delights audiences young and old with laughter, music, and a message that never grows old.

"This is the rarely seen extended version including the song When Love is Gone, which was cut from the original theatrical release.

“Further festive treats include Miracle on 34th Street, which returns to remind us all to ‘believe’, and our Moviedrome presentation is the romantic, gothic beauty that is Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands.

“And for those who like their Christmas movies with a little extra firepower, both Die Hard and Die Hard 2 are back on the big screen — because Christmas isn’t complete without John McClane saving the day.”

Films at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in December are:

Bugonia: in the latest from Yorgos Lanthimos, two conspiracy-obsessed men (Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis) kidnap the CEO of a major company (Emma Stone) when they become convinced that she's an alien who wants to destroy the Earth.

Monday December 1, Tuesday December 2 and Wednesday December 3at 7.45pm.

The Doors: When You’re Strange: Re-released to mark the 60th anniversary of the formation of The Doors in 1965, Tom DiCillo’s Grammy Award-winning documentary is narrated by Johnny Depp.

Thursday December 11 at 1.45pm; Saturday December 13 at 7.45pm.

André Rieu’s 2025 Christmas Concert: Merry Christmas: with his fabulous Johann Strauss Orchestra and special guests including more than 400 brass players, André’s Christmas concert is bursting with warmth, laughter and holiday cheer.

Thursday December 11 at 7pm; Friday December 12 at 1.45pm.

The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker: Peter Wright’s ballet has enchanted audiences since 1984.

Featuring Tchaikovsky’s most familiar melodies and Julia Trevelyan Oman’s exquisite designs, it’s a festive treat for all ages.

Monday December 15 at 7.15pm; Thursday December 18 at 1.45pm.

Christmas Karma: a Bollywood musical-inspired adaptation of the classic story featuring a cast including Kunal Nayyar, Leo Suter, Charithra Chandran, Pixie Lott, Danny Dyer, Boy George, Hugh Bonneville, Billy Porter, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Shaznay Lewis and Eva Longoria.

Tuesday December 16, Wednesday December 17, Saturday December 20 at 7.45pm; Sunday December 21 at 6.15pm; Tuesday December 23 at 1.45pm and Christmas Eve at at 3.15pm.

Miracle on 34th Street (1994, dementia-friendly screening): six-year-old Susan is sceptical about Santa Claus, a trait she perhaps learned from her mother Dorey.

Then Dorey is tasked with hiring the Macy’s Santa and enlists Kris Kringle, Richard Attenborough, who claims to be Santa – a role the great SIr Ricahrd Attenborough was born to play.

Friday December 19 at 1pm.

Moviedrome: Edward Scissorhands (1990): a family take in Edward, Johnny Depp, an artificial man left incomplete by his creator – he has scissors for hands.

When he falls in love with their daughter, Winona Ryder, Edward’s life seems complete but modern suburbia is not as gentle as he is.

Friday December 19 at 7.45pm.

Die Hard: is it a Christmas film? That’s up to you … but it’s definitely a cracking thriller from 1988, starring Bruce Willis as off-duty New York City police detective John McClane who becomes entangled in the terrorist takeover of a Los Angeles skyscraper on Christmas Eve.

Alan Rickman is on great form as the terrorist who is holding McClane’s wife, Bonnie Bedelia, and her colleagues to ransom. Yippee-ki-yay!

Monday December 22 at 7.45pm.

Die Hard 2: Bruce Willis reprises his role as John McClane, who seems to have no luck at all on Christmas Eve – in this sequel from 1990, he becomes embroiled in a terrorist incident at Washington’s Dulles Airport.

Tuesday December 23 at 7.45pm.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (full-length version): the classic from 1992 sees the Muppets put their own spin on the Charles Dickens story.

Michael Caine stars as Scrooge alongside Kermit, Miss Piggy, the Great Gonzo and Fozzie Bear.

The next best version of Dickens’ classic story after Alastair Sim’s turn as Scrooge in the 1951 film version.

Boxing Day at 6.15pm and Saturday December 27.

Wicked: For Good: the long-awaited sequel reunites Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariane Grande as Glinda, with Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Dinklage and Colman Domingo.

Saturday December 27 at 6.15pm; Sunday December 28 at 3.15pm; Monday December 29 at 1.15pm and 6.15pm; Tuesday December 30 at 1.15pm and 6.15pm; New Year’s Eve at 1.15pm; Friday January 2 at 1.45pm and 6.15pm and Saturday January 3 at 2.45pm and 6.15pm

To book cinema tickets call the box office on 01723) 370541 or visit the theatre’s website: www.sjt.uk.com