ORIGINAL writing, fresh ideas, new talent, young and old: these are what the Playhouse Fringe committee look for. Current Fringe production The Bench, written and directed by Playhouse artistic director Jay Cundell Walker, fits the bill perfectly.

The Bench tells the story of eight brief encounters on the eponymous park bench. Brief vignettes with well-defined characters, these are perfect for members who are new to acting at the Playhouse.

This Fringe event showcases a dozen of the Playhouse’s actors: some familiar, some new, some returning to our stage. We can promise you a fascinating evening, entertained by these eight short plays. Accessible, entertaining and easy to watch it’s also perfect theatre for people who don’t usually go to the theatre. The seating is relaxed, cabaret-style, the bar is open and you can take your drink in with you.

Neatly juxtaposing the small, intimate theatre in the Wildman, upstairs in the Wharfeside theatre is something big, brash and bold, with music to boot. Our annual musical production Sweet Charity, currently in rehearsal, sounds sweet, energetic and uplifting. Neil Simon’s popular book for the production is set to brilliant numbers with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields. Expect to go home singing Big Spender, Rhythm of Life and If My Friends Could See Me Now.

All this musical magic is from the team that brought you Betty Blue Eyes and Kiss Me Kate, both sell-out productions. Sweet Charity runs from June 4 to 16. Tickets are dancing out the door so don’t leave it too late to get yours.

The next Stage Fright Comedy night (Saturday, May 26) has a stellar line-up. Headliner Gary Delany is a stalwart of Mock The Week, and Live At The Apollo, and he’s won two Sony Awards for his writing work. He’ll be joined by Pete Selwood and full support: it’s great comedy on your doorstep!

Finally, the Playhouse welcomes more award-winning visitors when Fat Rascal Theatre bring us Tom & Bunny Save the World: The Musical. Set in a dystopian near-future after a zombie apocalypse, Tom and Bunny brave a perilous journey to Yorkshire in quest of sanctuary and a proper cup of tea. It’s a bloody, black comedy with, intriguingly, a live folk soundtrack, examining what it is to be British in a crisis. Perfect for teens and beyond, Tom & Bunny are with us for one night only on Saturday, June 2.

Tickets for all events and productions can be found at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or by calling 01943 609 539.