Teddy Swims at Scarborough Open Air Theatre on 22nd July was the first of two evenings with the acclaimed artist – having sold out both evenings in short order. Support came from New Zealand’s Jordan Rakei.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire coast, the evening began with the fantastic voice of Jordan Rakei, whose support set was a highlight in its own right. Blending soul, jazz, R&B and electronic influences, Rakei brought a sophisticated and soulful energy to the stage. Songs such as Flowers and Learning were warmly received, while his effortless connection with the audience ensured the crowd was fully engaged long before the main act appeared.

From the moment Teddy Swims stepped onto the stage for night one of two consecutive performances, his commanding presence and remarkable voice drew the crowd in, combining his usual powerhouse vocals, genuine emotion, and an expertly crafted setlist that took the audience on a journey through soul, pop, R&B, and country influences.

The stage production added another dimension to an already exceptional evening. A striking illuminated backdrop framed the band throughout the performance, with warm colours, dynamic lighting and visual effects perfectly complementing Teddy Swims’ soulful sound. The backdrop evolved throughout the show, enhancing the mood of each song, from the intimate and heartfelt moments to the stadium-sized anthems. One of the most distinctive features of the stage design was the large sofa positioned centre stage, Teddy Swims and his glorious backing singers used this seating to reinforce the relaxed, intimate feel that has become a hallmark of their performances.

The setlist was one of the evening’s greatest strengths. Rather than relying solely on his biggest hits, Teddy carefully balanced fan favourites with deeper cuts that showcased the breadth of his song-writing. Tracks from I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy were particularly well received, with songs such as The Door and Hammer to the Heart highlighting both his vocal versatility and his gift for storytelling.

The crowd reached another level of enthusiasm during Bad Dreams, which sparked one of the biggest singalongs of the night. Teddy’s ability to turn deeply personal songs into shared experiences was evident throughout the show, with thousands of fans hanging on every lyric. His soulful rendition of Apple Juice brought a more reflective mood, allowing his emotional delivery to take centre stage.

Of course, the evening built towards Lose Control, the global smash hit that has become synonymous with Teddy’s rise to stardom. As soon as the opening notes rang out, the entire theatre erupted. Thousands of voices joined together, creating a spine-tingling moment that felt both celebratory and emotional. It was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the night and perfectly showcased the connection he has built with his audience.

What makes Teddy Swims stand out, however, is the authenticity he brings between songs. He spoke candidly with the crowd, sharing stories, expressing gratitude, and often making the audience laugh. Those interactions added warmth to the evening and made the performance feel deeply personal. Backed by a talented band and supported by an excellent production team, Teddy delivered a show that was both polished and deeply heartfelt.

For more sensational artists appearing at TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre, click here.