THIS year’s Ilkley Carnival theme is “Best of British”. Appropriately enough, two of our upcoming productions fit the theme well. Noel Coward’s The Vortex (see below) is our next production. Closing this season is Betty Blue Eyes, a musical adaptation of the 1984 comedy film A Private Function, which was written by Alan Bennett, starred Maggie Smith and Michael Palin, and filmed largely in Ilkley – it doesn’t get more ‘best of British’ than that!

Playhouse members are currently raiding our extensive supply of characters in the attic in preparation for the carnival parade. If anyone – individual, groups or society – would like to hire costumes, Playhouse wardrobe manager Jill Coulson will be open on Monday & Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm and Friday from 10.30am to 4.30pm. On the day of the carnival we are open for refreshments and theatre tours to raise awareness of our wonderful community theatre and all that goes on here, and to welcome prospective new audience members.

Up in the eaves we have our members flapping around getting kitted out in Best of British regalia, while downstairs, the Wildman Studio will host flapping of a different nature. Charleston refrains are bouncing from the studio as the sparky cast of The Vortex practice their dance moves.

On first sight, The Vortex seems to capture the effervescence 1920s upper class life. Underneath, though, darker themes play out – jealousy, sexuality and addiction all make themselves known. The play cut close to the bone when it was first produced, only just passing censorship, and its themes are very much relevant today.

The cast skilfully balance the juxtaposing gaiety and tragedy of the story. Their rapport is obvious and carries the audience along, lending insight into the lives of the elite (or at least the superficially elite) of the 1920s. The intimate setting of the studio also works its usual magic and draws you into the action.

And, of course, 1920s means costumes. Fantastic, elegant, glamorous costumes that set the tone and take the audience straight into the period of The Vortex. The right costume also helps the actor connect with the character they are playing and is an important stage in the rehearsal process. Currently the cast are being fitted for theirs and are excited to see what our wardrobe department has planned for them.

Our wardrobe group meet two evenings a week and are currently frantically creating, altering and repairing the costumes for The Vortex’s large cast. Costume management is critical a year-round process to support the 12 to 15 productions the Playhouse presents annually. That’s a lot of work, and we always welcome new volunteers, so if this is of interest to you do contact us at the number below.

Finally, some sad news: we have recently lost a longstanding Playhouse member, Peggy Allison, aged 93. Peggy was a skilled tailoress and seamstress and was a member of the Playhouse for over 30 years. While she’ll be greatly missed, we are fortunate that her skills and legacy will remain at the Playhouse in the costume department, which houses many of her creations.

To book your ticket for any of these events, visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or call 01943 609539. You can follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest news, reviews and pictures.