Gary Barlow – Scarborough Open Air Theatre – Review
By Steve Crabtree, June 2025
Scarborough Open Air Theatre holds a very special place in my heart. Since I first stepped in this venue to see George Benson eight years ago, and to check the place out, I’ve been back every summer bar that of 2020. so returning here for the first time this summer, I was delighted that we’d come out on one of those perfect Scarborough evenings: Warm sunshine, clear skies, and a huge crowd filing into the OAT for a night of nostalgia, charm, and pure Gary Barlow pop polish.
He’d arrived on the Yorkshire coast with his Songbook tour, and if there’s anyone who knows how to bring a catalogue of hits to life, it’s him.
I was there with my wife, a long-time Take That fan, and she wasn’t the only one excited. The buzz began at the gates, and didn’t stop right into the seats and the viewing area. Swarmed with happy faces, you knew we were in for a fun night. People were ready to dance, reminisce, and belt out the words to every chorus Barlow had ever penned. And he didn’t disappoint…
“A crowd-pleasing start”
The show began earlier than expected, with Gary hitting the stage at 8.30pm sharp. He was welcomed with a wave of applause and cheers, before opening up with ‘Open Road’ and launching into the massive Take That anthem ‘Greatest Day’. The crowd were lifted, and the mood was set.
Dressed in a glittering number and clearly loving the moment, Barlow made his way through a well-paced set filled with both solo material and Take That classics. We got ‘Sure’, ‘Let Me Go’, ‘Patience’, and ‘Incredible’ – all delivered with style and that unmistakable voice. It was slick and polished. But then, you wouldn’t expect anything else from Gary Barlow.
Some of the poppier tracks were given a slightly unexpected swing-style treatment. We weren’t too sure about that – perhaps because ‘Everything Changes’ felt like it was missing the energy we all hoped to dance to. It still sounded nice, but that would have created a huge disco had it have been delivered in it usual way.
“Great atmosphere and great music”
I’ve said it on a regular basis, but Scarborough Open Air Theatre really is one of the best live music venues around. I love coming back here – not just for the setting, but for how good it sounds.
Despite being open air, the way the sound stays within the space is impressive, and the production was spot on once again. There’s a reason so many artists return – and why so many people do the same.
The layout, the organisation, the whole setup just works. And when the weather behaves like it did tonight, it makes the experience even better. No stress, no pushing crowds, just a great atmosphere and great music.
“The entire place danced away”
Midway through the show, Barlow had changed into a red sequin jacket (which I loved – I want one), and by the time he rolled out ‘Relight My Fire’, the whole place was on its feet. Many of us did a better job than Gary Barlow did during ‘Pray’ earlier on – his dad-dancing/old dance routine made us smile and laugh, which only made him more likeable. His stage presence is so relaxed and natural, and he knows exactly how to keep the show flowing with his signature charm. A true entertainer, and showman.
There was plenty of humour too. Referring to the town as “Scarbados” raised the usual chuckles, but his description of it as “Santa Scarbra” caught a few people off guard before the penny dropped. That got a proper laugh from the crowd.
And who can forget one of the most memorable moments of the night. Just as ‘A Million Love Songs’ began, Barlow spotted a man in the crowd dropping to one knee. A live proposal. Without missing a beat, Gary paused the show, got the camera on them, and let the whole place share the moment. She said yes, of course, and the audience were delighted. A perfect, unexpected highlight.
“One of those perfect endings”
The final stretch of the show was brilliant. Gary gave us a brilliant encore that included ‘Back for Good’ and ‘Rule the World’ – both met with thousands of voices singing every word back at him. And then came the closer: ‘Never Forget’.
The fireworks, the arms in the air, the moment…it all made for one of those perfect endings. And me and Alex had really enjoyed the night.
All in all, 24 songs, an engagement, a few laughs, and a night full of everything you want in a good concert. For my wife, it was a bit of a dream gig. For me, it was great. Gary Barlow just proved that he’s been going for over 30 years for a reason…he’s just so bloody good.
Images: Cuffe & Taylor
Give Steve music, give him food, give him theatre, tech or travel… and he’s a happy man. He’s been writing professionally since 2003, turning to journalism in 2017 when it offered him the chance to enjoy a lot of his existing passions, and learn some new ones at the same time. Steve can be found spending many of his summer nights watching bands at The Piece Hall in his hometown of Halifax, or enjoying a bite to eat and a drink with his wife anywhere in Yorkshire at any time of year. Random fact: He does the best impression of Zippy and George from Rainbow that anyone has ever heard.
