LOVELY as it is to have the summer stretching before us, here at the Ilkley Playhouse we’re already looking ahead to the new season. Before it launches with J. B. Priestley’s Eden End, we are proud to bring you a pre-season fringe production of Kevin Elyot’s highly acclaimed My Night with Reg from September 7 to 9.

Set in the mid-eighties, it follows a close circle of gay friends across a four-year period. There’s plenty of laughter, but the shadow of AIDS also looms large, comedy and tragedy in juxtaposition. It’s wickedly funny as well as deeply affecting.

We can’t give too much of the plot away – there are a few surprises it’d be a shame to spoil – but the four-year time-span is structured with great skill. The Wildman Studio is an ideal, intimate venue, framing the play’s constantly shifting moods. Sadly, Elyot is not around to see how well his play holds up 20 years on, but we’re confident we’ll do it justice.

Those who are familiar with My Night with Reg will remember that that this play contains adult language and nudity.

Finally, there are still a few nights, and possibly a sprinkling of tickets, left of Terence Rattigan’s The Deep Blue Sea, a post-war drama about the slow breakdown of marriage. It’s a taut, beautifully crafted and finely-acted period piece.

The Deep Blue Sea runs until Saturday, July 22. My Night With Reg is on from September 7 to 9. New Season launches with Eden End by J.B.Priestley September 13 to 23. To book tickets for any of our productions, please visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or phone the box office on 01943 609539.

The Ilkley Playhouse production of Kiss Me, Kate, the Cole Porter classic also makes its way to the world-famous Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, Cornwall, from July 24 to 28.. The Playhouse has the happy honour of being the only theatre in West Yorkshire to be invited to perform at this prestigious (and breathtaking) venue.

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