THE Bistro at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough will become a musical mecca for teens with its first open mic night this month.

Live@thebistro, a new night of free acoustic music in the Bistro at the SJT, will be launched on Friday, May 13, at 8pm.

The night will be hosted by the newly-formed Theatre Youth Board, which helps encourage young people from 16 to 26 to join in activities and enjoy shows.

The first open mic night will feature local singers and musicians from the local area and also other open mic acts such as poets and comedians.

Ian Whitfield, from the Youth Board, said: “We’re delighted to have been invited to run this night and we have the aim of a ‘Live Lounge’ to provide Scarborough with a relaxed end to the week in the company of some of the best acoustic artists in the area.

“We want to make sure that the talent out there has somewhere to go, kick back in a relaxed atmosphere, and do what they do well. We see it as a stepping stone – a musician can do something like this and it helps move them on to the next stage."

Fellow Youth Board member Archie Pheby McGarvey said: “I’ve been to open mic nights before and they’re a really good night out. Ours will start at 8pm and last for a few hours, and is for young people aged 16 and upwards. There’ll be a drum machine, acoustic guitars and a piano available on the night, and the first five acts to arrive will receive a free glass of beer or wine from the bar.

“Even if you're not playing an instrument, you can still come and socialise with your friends as there will be piano karaoke too.

"It's about being around the same kind of people who are here for the same reason – to perform music, hear music and enjoy music.”