FEELGOOD comedy One Slight Hitch opened this week at the Ilkley Playhouse, and is delighting audiences with its cosy setting and warm humour. The style and set are a wonderful nostalgic mix, reminiscent of 1980s Friday night television – picture the warm American decor of The Golden Girls with the friendliness and amusing asides of Cheers. The set-up and plotting, meanwhile, recall classic matinee films from the 1940s to the 1950s.

The play is directed by Mervyn Button, in whose experienced hands the vibrant cast give a wonderful rendition of the story. The premise is simple – what happens to a seemingly happy couple when the ne’er-do-well ex-boyfriend of the bride turns up on the morning of their wedding? – but this cleverly becomes a framework for a story of love, bad timing and social etiquette.

Lewis Black, the author of One Slight Hitch, hails from New York. Although he is an internationally renowned stand-up comedian, One Slight Hitch is a rounded piece, aiming for more than just laughs – pathos and joy also put in appearances, while there’s a thoughtful afterglow to the humour.

One Slight Hitch runs from May 25 to June 5 (not Sundays), so you still have time to book your tickets. If you are in need of an early Summer pick-me-up contact the box office now!

Other imminent comedy at the Playhouse includes the ever-popular Stagefright Comedy Club, which is with us again on June 4. This month we are excited to be welcoming an Edinburgh Festival preview in the form of a special Edinburgh Festival warm-up bill.

First up is Christian Reilly, who The Guardian has compared to the modern greats Bill Bailey and Rich Hall, and who has also worked with Richard Herring. He now has a solo act based on improvisation, energy and a good dollop of guitar-playing. His last solo Edinburgh show, Lost In Music, was both sold out and critically acclaimed. At the Playhouse he’ll be previewing its successor, which suggests a treat is in store.

Brennan Reece, who’s been described as ‘rubber-faced’ but is also the reigning English Comedian Of The Year, is fresh from a sold out award-winning three month tour of Down Under. He was a finalist a finalist in the BBC Radio New Comedy Awards and he is coming to your doorstep! Then comes Dawn Rigby, with an unorthodox routine encompassing family, career, dieting and flatulence. Dawn will be joined by rising star Jared Shooter, which we suspect may not be his real name. The evening will be compered by one-liner specialist Anthony J Brown.

It’s a laid-back evening with intervals and time for drinks and chat. There is a competition for free tickets and in keeping with the general informality of the evening seating is unreserved, cabaret style. It’s a great night out and it’s here in Ilkley!

To book your ticket for One Slight Hitch, Stagefright Comedy Club Edinburgh Festival Preview Special or any of our 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.