TO keep the sun shining through September we launch our new season with a Silver Lining to banish the rain.

Our Silver Lining comes to us courtesy of Sandi Toksvig, who when she isn’t presenting a myriad of programmes on TV and radio, or talking about and eating cake, finds the time to write plays and books.

Just a year after its professional opening, we’re delighted to bring you Silver Lining, from September 12th to September 22nd here at Ilkley Playhouse.

We meet the residents of the Silver Retirement Home on the proverbial dark and stormy night: so dark and stormy, in fact, that floods threaten to engulf the five forgotten ladies that reside there.

With no rescue team in sight they realise that they are going to have to fend for themselves. What follows is an inspiring and funny modern day ‘great escape’.

This group of forgotten women are protected yet isolated from the outside world, living in their bubble until the outside world comes to them in the form of storm Vera.

And it is through Vera that we see the truth of these individuals and that, as with all of us, there is more to someone, and their capabilities, that meets the eye.

All the drama of the piece is brought forth with humour and warmth. The Stage described the London production as ‘astute and sharply-constructed’. We are sure it will brighten up a cloudy September evening in Ilkley.

Innovative and interesting Fringe productions always entertain. And if you’re not a regular theatre goer it’s a great way to dip your toe in.

Our pre-season Fringe production is Whalegirl, a collection of short plays by gritty author Ann Wuehler.

Funny and insightful, this collection of plays span a range of life experiences, including grief, love, loneliness, guilt, failure, and flight from an unsatisfying reality. Each is sensitively handled with humour to balance the darker side of life.

Fringe nights always have their own sense of excitement as the material is usually lesser known. This also means a great way to support new writers and new directors.

Silver Lining runs from September 12 to 22. The play contains strong adult language and content so booking for this production is from age 14 and up.

Whalegirl runs from Thursday, September 6 to Saturday 8. Please note when booking that this is a 16+ production due to adult content.

To book for the exciting start to the new season, go to www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or call 01943 609539.

l Claire Emmott