James Taylor – Live Review – Scarborough Open Air Theatre
By Charlotte Oliver, July 2026
Since re-opening in 2010, Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre has hosted some of the biggest names in the music world. Few of them, however, can boast a career spanning almost six decades, album sales worldwide of over 100 million and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (by none other than Paul McCartney).
It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the town’s huge, sky-roofed music venue was completely sold out for tonight’s concert by bona fide music legend James Taylor, on the final night of his UK tour.
“A huge roar”
The demographic of the audience bore testament to the enduring appeal of Taylor’s music, with generations of families attending together to hear the songs that have soundtracked their lives; a quick chat with just a few of the people sitting near me revealed a first wedding dance (‘Whenever I See Your Smiling Face’), a song played at a beloved family member’s funeral (‘You’ve Got a Friend’) and another that takes a mother back to her son being born (‘Sweet Baby James’).
It was a huge roar, then, that greeted Taylor as he took to the stage for the first of two sets, looking as delighted to be in our company as we were to be in his. Supported by his All-Stars, a hearty band of 11 musicians and singers, each of whom have distinguished careers in their own right, the music was rich and full, tilting towards Americana with the inclusion of a fiddle, accordion and heavenly vocal harmonies.
Thankfully though, none of the songs had been taken too far from their original sound of Taylor’s rich baritone voice and characteristic guitar-picking style, giving the audience exactly what they wanted from his many hits, such as ‘Whenever You’re Ready’, ‘Shower the People’, ‘Handy Man’ and ‘Mexico’.
“Extra depth”
However, it was not only the music that provided entertainment at this gig. Taylor chatted easily between his songs, sharing stories about when they were written or recorded and revealing a dry sense of humour, a fascinating life and a deep belief in love (as well as a wry take on politics and a heartfelt fondness for the UK). He comes across as a genuinely good person, which added extra depth to his performance of ‘You’ve Got a Friend’.
The second set held countless highlights, particularly performances of ‘Fire and Rain’, and ‘Carolina On My Mind’ which were stripped back to their bare, beautiful bones and had many people in tears.
The final song of his encore was a stunning version of ‘You Can Close Your Eyes’, performed as a duet with his son Henry, which had the audience spellbound.
“An incredibly special gig”
This was an incredibly special gig, characterised not just by its wonderful music but also by its shared atmosphere of joy between performers and audience. Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre also played its part in creating this, always feeling surprisingly intimate despite its size, and possessing a brilliant sound system (and amazing BSL interpreter).
This gig will live long in many memories – what a privilege to have spent an evening with James Taylor.
Images: Cuffe and Taylor
Charlotte Oliver is a writer and poet based in Scarborough on the Yorkshire Coast. Former BBC Radio York’s Saturday Poet Laureate and an Ilkley Literature Festival New Northern Poet 2023, she has written features for a range of publications including Yorkshire Life and the Dalesman. A childhood spent in plays and bands has led to a lifelong love of theatre and music across a wide range of genres. Similarly, a stint as a TESOL teacher for the British Council in Brazil left her with a passion for discovering new places – whether in far-flung corners of the earth or here, in beautiful Yorkshire.
charlotteoliver.com, Bluesky, Instagram
