Happy Christmas! From ghost stories to Hairy Bob’s festive fun –Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre reveals seasonal shows

Five new shows will join the already-announced main production, which this year is Puss in Boots and runs from Saturday December 5 to Thursday December 31.

It will be joined by a new show from Scarborough Theatre Company for under-sixes, Hairy Bob’s Christmas Jumper running from Wednesday December 16 to Wednesday December 23.

Written and directed by Alex Weatherhill, the show visits a magical sweet shop in the heart of Scarborough, where jars shimmer, fudge fizzes and the unexpected is never far away.

It’s run by Miss Candy Floss, helped by Hairy Bob, a mysteriously magic Hob – a gnome to – with a tall pointy hat and a love of caves.

Six-piece, multi-instrumental band Raven celebrate the season with original songs and traditional music (Sunday December 6.

Their show is a fundraiser for the SJT, which is a registered charity.

A Pleasing Terror sees RM Lloyd Parry perform two ghost stories by MR James – this year, Canon Alberic’s Scrap-book and The Mezzotint. It is on Wednesday December 9

Also joining the fun is Holly at Christmas on Thursday December 10:

Buddy Holly and the Cricketers once again herald the festivities with a show now as traditional as mulled wine and mince pies.

Holly’s hits, other contemporary classics and some Christmas crackers are all wrapped up in a fast, furious and funny feast of entertainment.

The Haus of Games Christmas Special – from the Isolation Creations – is a gloriously daft comedy show packed with bingo, banter and the distinct possibility that something inappropriate may happen under the mistletoe.

In addition to the Christmas shows, the John Godber Company returns next year with Godber’s new show This is the Life. It will run from Wednesday February 17 to Saturday February 20.

Dave and Sapphire have worked backstage at the Old Forge for years. They’ve never felt the lure of the spotlight, they prefer the dark of the wings. But when they learn that the venue is closing, they are both shocked and angry. Despite dwindling audience numbers, unfunny stand-ups and a chaotic staff, they love this damp, old, crumbling local theatre.

With money in short supply, they offer to stage their own extraordinary dramatic adventure, full of the characters they’ve met and scenes they’ve witnessed. Might it bring back the punters, or be a further reason to turn the Old Forge into luxury flats?

Booking for all the new shows is now open.

Tickets are available from the box office on 01723 370541 and online at www.sjt.uk.com