Michael Bublé – Live Review – Scarborough Open Air Theatre
By Kirsty Masterman, July 2026
Fresh from Lytham Festival and Blenheim Palace, tonight it was the turn of Scarborough to welcome Canadian crooner, Michael Bublé to the stage on what is the final show of his short UK and Ireland tour.
Opening tonight’s music celebration are pop duo Appleton – sisters Nicole and Natalie of former All Saints’ fame, who take the crowd on a trip down memory lane with a set that includes hits such as ‘Pure Shores’ and ‘Never Ever’. along with their latest single, ‘Ready to Begin’.
Shortly after, Bublé’s orchestra take to their seats – a clock projected on to the stage to count down the final five minutes to the main man’s appearance – who takes to the stage a little after 8.00pm with Nina Simone’s, ‘Feeling Good’.
“Dressed impeccably”
Dressed impeccably, with rich, velvety vocals to match, his confidence and warmth immediately connecting with the audience.
One song in and it’s clear he cannot resist mentioning the previous night’s events – England’s epic victory against Mexico in the World Cup. “I wonder…I may be being dramatic… I don’t know if I’m right…but I just want to know, is it coming home?” Cue huge cheers that lead into a mass singalong by both the crowd and Bublé himself of ‘Wonderwall’. This is something I never thought I would hear at a Michael Bublé concert, but something both he and the 8,000-strong crowd clearly enjoy.
Fan favourites, ‘Haven’t met You Yet’, L-O-V-E and Such a Night follow, before Bublé tells the crowd, “Scarborough, we are not here for a show – we are here for a celebration”. A sentiment that is echoed across the venue as he breaks into ‘Sway’ and ‘I’ve Got the World on a String (or When You’re Smiling).
“Versatility”
Throughout the show, Michael effortlessly moves from powerful ballads to upbeat swing numbers – even throwing in a bit of ‘Western’ for good measure, demonstrating his remarkable versatility. It is clear why the five-time GRAMMY award-winner continues to sell out venues across the globe.
“Is it coming home?” he asks again, triggering another ‘Wonderwall’ singalong. It may be a slightly unusual way to launch into a rendition of ‘Home’ but it certainly works.
‘Everything’ follows, but not before the Canadian crooner singles out a member of the audience that he has seen frantically waving at him from afar, to tell her that he’d “written it for her”.
“More than the music”
Throughout the evening, Bublé’s interaction with the crowd is endless. From singalongs with the audience to high-fiving fans and taking selfies with the crowd – one of which is lucky enough to share the mic with the singer. His appreciation is evident as he comments on how beautiful we sound singing along to his songs, stating that having 8000 people sing along to a song he wrote is a genuinely emotional moment.
‘To Love Somebody’ and ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ follow – songs which project an outpouring of emotion as the singer regales us with stories about his first visits to the UK and his appearances on the Paul O’Grady Show and Parkinson, thanking us for our continued support that has given him and his family (who are in the audience), the life they now have.
A Bublé concert is about much more than the music. His trademark humour and self-depricating wit keeps everyone laughing throughout the evening as he naturally interacts with the crowd. And his relaxed charisma proving that not everything needs to be rehearsed.
“A stunning performance”
Midway through the night, Bublé turns backing vocalist as he invites trumpeter and vocalist Jumaane Smith to take centre stage for a performance of ‘You’re Nobody Until Somebody Loves You’. A stunning performance which also entertains as the camera pans onto Bublé giving it his all. If the singing thing doesn’t work out…
This is followed by Michael introducing his band. A move that takes me back to when I used to go to hear brass bands with my grandparents and a memory that is imprinted on me with a poignancy. It makes me wonder whether my love of music stemmed from that rather than the pop songs on the radio.
As darkness begins to fall and the show reaches the business end of proceedings, a medley of Elvis songs are opened with ‘Trouble’ followed by ‘Burning Love’, ‘Can’t Help falling in Love’, ‘You’re The First, The Last, My Everything’ and “a terrifying song about revenge”, ‘Cry Me a River’.
Bublé closes the show with a polished and heartfelt performance of Elvis Presley’s ‘Always on my Mind’. A reminder of why he remains one of the finest live entertainers of his generation.
Tonight was an evening that reminded me just how magical live music can be, and for those fortunate to be there, it was a memorable summer evening that ensured tonight’s performance will indeed always be on our minds.
Images: Cuffe & 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.
