ILKLEY Players are presenting The Heiress' at Ilkley Playhouse from Monday, July 7, to Saturday, July 19, in the Wharfeside Theatre at 7.30pm.

The Heiress' is a costume drama based on the novel Washington Square' by Henry James.

Adapted for the stage in 1947 by Ruth and Augustus Goetz, the play - later made into a successful Hollywood movie starring Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift - is set in 19th century New York.

It concerns the fortunes of a plain and unworldly young woman, Catherine Sloper, who is courted by handsome and worldly young suitor Morris Townsend.

Catherine's father Dr Austin Sloper, a wealthy widower and somewhat overbearing presence in his daughter's life, suspects that Townsend is a fortune hunter and warns Catherine not to make a fool of herself.

For the first time in her life, Catherine defies her father and, believing that Morris does indeed love her, she insists that if her father refuses to give his consent to the marriage, she will elope. However, when Dr Sloper threatens to cut off her dowry, Morris disappears.

As it builds towards its powerful conclusion, this intelligent play raises thought-provoking questions about love, betrayal and the relationships between parents and children.

Director Robin Green has assembled a talented cast in Kay Vann, Liz Hall, Andrew Leggott, Lee Russell, Ann Bradley, Jean Garbutt, Lucy Matheson, Becky Sheldon and David Wallbank Tickets are £7.50 Monday to Thursday and £8 Friday and Saturday and £6.50 concessions. To book, contact the Box Office on 01943 609539.

1:53pm Thursday 3rd July 2008

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