THERE’S a happy, relaxed, end-of-term sort of feeling around the Ilkley Playhouse this week. With just a few more nights of Yes, Prime Minister to run before our summer break, there’s still time to get a ticket and soak up some laughter. This cracking production, directed by Raymond Williams, has been honoured to have a ‘congratulations’ message from one of the authors of the play and original TV series, Jonathan Lynn!

Rest assured, despite the break we are not resting on our laurels: we’re working hard behind the scenes on the new season. You may have seen our new season brochure around town, launching the new season that opens in September with Sandi Toksvig’s play Silver Lining... but more on that in weeks to come. Rehearsals are underway, sets are designed and lines are learned.

One group who will be taking a break over summer are our hard working Greenroom drama class students. The Playhouse’s Junior and Senior Greenroom drama classes, which have been running for over 40 years, are also on hiatus for the summer – before re-starting, fully refreshed and raring to go, in September.

Recent classes included “clowning” techniques and the ever-popular stage-fighting. As well as learning drama techniques, these classes build confidence and encourage team work. There is a great camaraderie in each class, which is also apparent during junior and senior Greenroom productions. Last season saw the Junior class in Peter Pan, while the Seniors scored a goal with Gregory’s Girl. This coming season’s Junior Greenroom production will be the children’s classic Pinocchio in January. Our Playhouse nose will not be growing if we say that this production will be fantastic!

Adults are not left out, classes for the novice and for those with some experience also start in September. All classes are on Saturdays and last an hour: junior classes (for children aged eight to 11) run from 9.30; senior classes (for aspiring actors from 12 to 18) from 10.45; while adult classes run from 12.00. Junior and Senior classes cost just £45 per term while Adult classes are £55. For more information contact info@ilkeyplayhouse.co.uk or call 01943 609539.