Teddy Swims – Live Review – Scarborough Open Air Theatre
By Kirsty Masterman, July 2026
Whilst there is still plenty of music to be enjoyed at Scarborough Open Air Theatre as part of the TK Maxx summer concert series, unfortunately, tonight is my final one for the year, but what a gig to go out on. Teddy Swims!
When it was first announced that Swims would be gracing the seaside stage this year, demand was so high, that a second night was added.
Opening the show is New Zealand-Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jordan Rakei. His chilled, soulful vibes making for the perfect collaboration with what is another gorgeous summer evening on the North Yorkshire coast.
Swims – real name Jaten Collin Dimsdale, hails from Atlanta, Georgia and first came to attention when he began posting cover videos on YouTube. He has since graduated from YouTube star to international chart-topper following the release of ‘Lose Control’, which, with more than four billion streams, has now become the longest-charting Hot 100 hit in history.
Swims’ music is a genre-blending mix of pop, soul and R n B with a splash of rock thrown in for good measure. Growing up listening to the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Al Green, their influence can clearly be heard.
“Seal of approval”
Tonight sees the first of a two night ‘residency’ for the Grammy-nominated singer as he takes to the stage along with his talented band Freak Freely for a 90 minute set laden with hits. The American crooner arrives on stage to the opening bars of ‘The Door’. A surprising, but refreshing change for an opening number to be such a huge hit, but one that certainly gets the audience’s seal of approval.
He’s clearly setting the bar high, but then again, with a discography like his, he can afford to.
Tonight’s show is a stripped back affair. Swims strolls about the stage, dressed in his baggy blue trousers, t-shirt and cap, with nothing but the bold lighting striking down on him. His band and backing singers meanwhile, offer up a somewhat more edgy look, with their long jackets, sunnies and denims. A raised platform centre stage, with a sofa, their main hangout for the evening.
“Slogans and graffiti”
A gold-plated microphone and an intriguing mic-stand covered in slogans and graffiti in the shape of a woman add a bit of bling to Teddy’s performance, but tonight, it’s all about the vocals.
‘Hammer to the Heart’ and ‘Are You Even Real’ follow the spectacular opener, as Swims powers through a setlist of more than 20 songs. Stopping for a brief chat to express his joy at being here, before continuing because, “We’ve got a lot of ground to cover”.
Crowd favourites ‘Funeral,’ ‘She Loves the Rain’ and ‘Bad Dreams’ follow, before ‘Simple Things’ marks a change in pace, as the singer talks about a recently passed friend. “Make sure you check on your friends… you never know what’s going on,” says a clearly emotional Teddy as he goes on to thank the audience for saving his life in so many ways.
“Mesmerised”
The pace remains slow with the piano driven ballad ‘Some Things I’ll Never Know’, before a cover of Thomas Rhett’s country tune ‘Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman’, during which he signs various items passed between him and a few lucky members of the audience. It’s moments like this that make Swims so endearing. His humility and gratitude genuinely founded when he tells his fans, “I love you.”
New single ’Break Up in Reverse’ has the crowd mesmerised as he performs it with an emotion that touches all of us. He certainly isn’t shy to share his vulnerabilities through his songwriting. I don’t think I’ve ever listened to lyrics as much as I have tonight.
Van Halen cover ‘Jump’ brings the tempo and energy back up, showing the incredible versatility of both the band and Swims. ‘All That Really Matters,’ ‘Bed on Fire’ and ‘Guilty’ bring the show to a strong close, rounded off with a huge singalong of global smash ‘Lose Control.’
“Raw vocals and song-writing”
Tonight’s concert might have been my final outing to the Open Air Theatre this season, but it has topped off what has been a memorable bout of gigs, not least for the fact there hasn’t been a single poncho in sight at any one of them.
It was an impressive show that showcased Swims’ raw vocals and song-writing talent at it’s very best. Hearing him live, delivering every note with such power, emotion and precision that only a talented artist can, made for a completely different experience. It has been a truly entrancing evening.
“Thankyou Scarborough, I love you. You guys are the best,” says Swims as he leaves the stage. As far as I and my 8,000 companions are concerned, the feeling is mutual Teddy.
Images: Cuffe and Taylor
After studying English and Creative Writing at university, Kirsty started working as an editor for PA Media way back in 2003, joining On Yorkshire in 2023. With a passion for travel and writing, the chance to combine the two became a reality for her in 2010 when she was offered the chance to visit Portugal to review a new resort. Since then, she has never looked back. Live music, theatre and restaurant reviews followed enabling her to combine all her interests. Kirsty now travels the world, reviewing some of the best hotels, restaurants and travel destinations. She particularly enjoys seeking out child-friendly places so that she can showcase destinations and experiences that can be enjoyed by parents alongside their children.
