Freetime activities

What's on this month

Events in Scarborough

After all the excitement of Christmas and New year, January is a quieter month here but as well as taking the opportunity to view the scenery and enjoy the fresh air, there is still plenty to do and see. There's brass band music at the Spa and at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, the latest films at the Futurist and the Hollywood Plaza, live music at lots of local pubs, and a comedy treat at the Futurist.

Cinema

All week at The Hollywood Plaza you can see one of the most talked about films of the moment. 'The Iron Lady' tells the very human story of Margaret Thatcher, looking back at her life and career from the current position of ill-health. Whatever your views on politics, the film provides exceptional insights into the demands of Britain's top job, and the strains and stresses of ageing. Meryl Streep is stunning as Mrs Thatcher and Jim Broadbent captivating as her husband: a film well-worth watching. For details of films and screening times as they become available go to hollywoodplaza.co.uk.

Meanwhile, the Futurist is showing the latest in the hugely successful Mission Impossible franchise, 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol'. In his latest adventure, Ethan Hunt has to clear his and his agency's name after they are accused of bombing the Kremlin. Will he do it? You'll have to watch the film to find out: or you could just guess. Also showing this week is 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'. Sherlock has had many outings in the cinema, this latest one stars Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, and sees the super-sleuth pitting his wits against arch-adversary Moriarty; a battle he is not certain to win. Exciting. For more details visit The Futurist website.

Theatre

There are no plays at the Stephen Joseph Theatre this month as the production company take a well-earned break after the hectic December schedule. Instead, why not enjoy the traditional January visit from the Hammonds Saltaire Brass Band over the weekend of the 21st and 22nd. There's nothing quite like a good Brass Band.

The SJT usually shows many of the latest films but the cinema is also rested in the early new year. For details of plays and films visit Stephen Joseph Theatre .

Live Shows

If you like comedy, there is a treat in store at the Futurist on the 21st and 22nd as no other than the massively popular Billy Connolly will be here with his 'The Man Live' tour. This really is an opportunity not to be missed. For more information see the Futurist website.

And if you enjoyed the Brass Band at the Stephen Joseph theatre you can marvel at the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, the real stars of the film Brassed Off, when they visit the Spa on the 29th of January. Visit the Scarborough Spa website for more details.

Regular Live Music Venues

You can also listen to live music in many venues around Scarborough. Details of who is playing where is advertised in the local newspapers.

Please come back soon for new information on freetime activities in and around Scarborough. You can also find a detailed calender of events at Hightide magazine.