WHEN was the last time you laughed? Really laughed - the kind of laugh that becomes infectious, when you catch a friend’s eye and laugh even harder? Just in case it’s been a while, Ilkley Playhouse hosts our regular stand-up comedy night on October 22.

For the optimum laughter environment, it’s hosted in the informal setting of The Wildman studio, the seats arranged in a “come with your friends or make new ones” cabaret style. Laughter burns the calories, so nuts and crisps are provided as sustenance; while hydration is paramount – ask any athlete – so the Playhouse’s well-stocked bar opens at 7.30pm, giving you plenty of time to imbibe the required fluids before the laughter starts at 8pm. And, of course, there are a couple of rehydration intervals.

There’s also a caption competition to ponder during those intervals at the bar: the captions suggested for a photo (found on your seat when you arrive) are read out to the audience, and our highly technical clap-o-meter discerns the funniest. The lucky winner gets two free tickets to the next Stagefright comedy club.

Acts on the 22nd include the energetic Stockport housewife Barbara Nice, who loves a good natter littered with malapropisms and tangential stream of consciousness. Her husband thinks she is at the bingo but she much prefers the unpredictability and glamour of the comedy circuit. She is not adverse to a little audience participation and can, on occasion, be quite musical.

Barbara is the creation of Janice Connolly, star of That Peter Kay Thing, Phoenix Nights, Coronation Street, Dead Man Weds, Max & Paddy's Road To Nowhere and her own Radio 2 show simply called Barbara Nice. The Times’ description – 'a hybrid between Victoria Wood and Mrs Merton' – sets expectations high, so we’re confident you’re in for a great evening.

Joining Barbara is Luke Wright, who’s new to the circuit, and Masai Graham, a pun enthusiast – the reigning UK Pun Champion, no less – who can deliver over 100 jokes in just half an hour. Snappy one-liners will keep you chucking as you remember them for weeks. Find him on YouTube for a taste of what he can deliver.

The evening is compered by Stagefright regular Anthony J Brown, whose wise-cracking, improvisational style happily contradicts his dandy meets funeral director appearance. Anthony is a Jongleurs Stand & Deliver Award winner and former BBC New Comedy Award Runner-up, and is a regular contributor to Radio 2's The Arthur Smith Lectures.

In October we welcome the Ilkley Literature festival to the Playhouse. As well as hosting many Literature Festival events, some of our members are contributing a concert reading of The Hollow Crown – The Falls and Foibles of the Kings and Queens of England, devised by John Barton. This is a compilation of regal writings from King Arthur to Queen Victoria, in the words of the rulers themselves and their contemporaries. Actor, director and Greenroom Drama tutor Andrew Leggott will direct, as well as participating alongside Lucy Campbell, Dick Hebbert, Geraldine Woodhouse and James Kingsley. The performance will be accompanied by musicians and singers, led by Paul Woodhouse, to add a contemporary air to this atmospheric event.

To buy tickets for the Stagefright Comedy Club and any of our events, visit our website www.Ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or phone the Box Office on 01943 609539. The Hollow Crown will be performed at The Wharfeside Theatre on Saturday, October 1 at 8pm-9.15pm. Tickets can be purchased from the Ilkley Literature Festival Box Office by calling 01943 816714 or online at www. Ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk.