Scarborough Open Air Theatre has hosted plenty of major names over the years, but Anastacia arrived determined to put on a proper show rather than simply run through a collection of hits. Celebrating 26 years since Not That Kind launched her career, the American star delivered 90 minutes of powerhouse vocals, costume changes and theatrical flair that felt more Las Vegas revue than standard summer concert.
Review and Photos by John Hayhurst
Before the headline set, Heather Small warmed up the crowd with the unmistakable voice that helped make M People one of Britain’s biggest acts. Looking incredibly fit for 61 and sounding amazing she ran through a greatest hits set in her sparkly silver jumpsuit and heels.
The first time I have seen her with a full backing band in years, as most slots on festivals she has preferred to use backing tapes. By the time Anastacia appeared, the amphitheatre was more than ready.
The stage itself played a starring role throughout the evening. Dominated by an oversized doorway positioned centre stage, it became a recurring feature of the show. Anastacia would disappear through it before emerging moments later in another outfit, adding a touch of theatre to a production that clearly had one eye on classic showbiz entertainment.
Opening with One Day In Your Life, she immediately reminded everyone why she remains such a formidable live performer. Her voice still possesses that trademark rasp and power, sounding as strong as ever against the backdrop of the open-air venue. From there she moved through fan favourites including Now or Never, Staring at the Sun, Paid My Dues and Sick and Tired, each greeted with huge enthusiasm from the crowd.
What makes Anastacia so compelling live is her ability to switch effortlessly between larger-than-life rock star and warm storyteller. Between songs she chatted comfortably with the audience, laughing, joking and sharing anecdotes that made a venue holding thousands feel surprisingly intimate.
Midway through the show and while Anastacia slipped away for another costume change, the band and backing vocalists took centre stage for a dance medley featuring snippets of Vogue, This Is How We Do It, No Diggity and Everybody (Backstreet’s Back). Rather than feeling like filler, it became a celebration in its own right, keeping the energy levels high while providing a glimpse of the talented musicians surrounding her.
The second half balanced emotion and power. Heavy On My Heart and You’ll Never Be Alone brought genuine poignancy, while rockier moments demonstrated just how comfortably Anastacia’s voice sits outside the pop world, even managing a credible version of Guns’n’Roses Sweet Child of Mine.
As darkness settled over Scarborough, the show moved towards its inevitable climax. Left Outside Alone sounded enormous in the open-air setting, while Not That Kind and I’m Outta Love provided the perfect finale. Twenty-six years after her breakthrough, these songs still carry the same punch, and Anastacia still performs them with complete conviction.
This was a polished, theatrical production packed with personality, outfit changes, audience interaction and one of pop’s most distinctive voices. The slick pacing gave the evening a genuine showbiz feel, something increasingly rare in modern live music.
In an era where many anniversary tours trade solely on nostalgia, Anastacia delivered something far more impressive: a reminder that she remains a genuinely exciting live performer. Confident, charismatic and vocally outstanding, she proved that some stars don’t simply survive the passing years—they continue to shine just as brightly.