IT’S opening night tonight for our much anticipated Fringe production, The God of Carnage, which runs in the Wildman Theatre until Saturday, March 25. This energetic production centres on a meeting between two sets of parents to discuss a playground incident that has taken place between their young sons. It is brutally funny, employing dark humour in a myriad of forms to mock the bourgeois values of the characters involved. The powerful performances and clever direction of this social satire will leave you wanting more. There are still a few tickets remaining – don’t miss out, book now.

After the performance on Friday, March 24 there will be a Q and A session with the cast and director, Yvette Huddleston. This is a play worthy of debate and a little further probing as there is much to discuss beyond the comedy of the piece. Tickets are just £6, the bar will be open before and after the performance – an entertaining and stimulating evening out!

For those seeking mirth of a lighter nature, you’ll be delighted to hear that our Stagefright Comedy Club is back on Saturday, April 8. We are very excited to have the king of character comedy, Will Franken, headlining. Franken has featured on America’s “The World Stands Up” and “Just for Laughs” in Montreal. The effect of his shape-shifting, multi-persona performances and irreverent humour have been compared to a night on psychedelic hallucinogenics and the late, great Robin Williams described him as: “…a master of illusion…[Franken] is unchained…he is also very funny.” Praise indeed!

Franken will be supported by Nina Gilligan, Hot Water Comedian of the Year and English Comedian of the Year finalist. Bolshier than Mrs. Merton, her hilarious, observational, story-telling comedy is given an edge by a razor-sharp wit. Watch out – she’s not one to suffer fools lightly! Also performing will be the hilarious Steve Titley and charming newcomer Stu Woodings. The bar will be open all night and the seating informal – get some mates together and book your tickets before it’s too late. We’re expecting another sell-out – it’s definitely going to be one to remember!

The God of Carnage runs from Thursday, March 23 to Saturday, March 25. Q&A session with Director Yvette Huddleston and cast on Friday, March 24, Stagefright Comedy Club is on Saturday, April 8.

To book tickets for any of our productions, please visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or phone the Box Office on 01943 609539. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest news and backstage gossip!