Ladies’ Day by Amanda Whittington – set, in the main, at the Royal Ascot race meeting when it was held at York – is a good-natured comedy drama.

Its enduring appeal since it first appeared at Hull Truck over five years ago is that it places into focus four unlikely candidates for dramatic attention who reveal aspects of themselves which, in reality, most people keep hidden, even from their best friends. It’s their openness and honesty which makes the characters endearing and sympathetic. In Ilkley Playhouse’s production, which still has three nights to run, the four women’s roles were perfectly cast.

The central character is Pearl – a jewel of a part – played with humourous frankness and naturalness by Denise MacGregor. Pearl’s decision to stop working at the local fish factory near Hull and do more with her life in middle age is the catalyst for all that happens next, part of which is the revelation of a major secret in her life. Her best friend is devoted single mother Jan, whose teenage daughter is about to go off to college. Julia Wilson makes Jan a believable, amusing and engaging character – her drunk scenes are especially entertaining. Jan is emotionally attached to Joe, a supervisor in the fish factory, one of six male roles all played by Mark Simister, every one of which he makes distinctive, using a variety of regional accents.

He makes a splendid racing commentator, but is at his most effective when playing Barry, a bookie, in a key scene towards the end of the play.

Becky Kordowicz plays the star-struck Shelly whose desire for fame and fortune are at odds with Shelly’s actual abilities. Becky is a dominant and lively presence on stage, getting most of the laughs, with her character naively assuming that all her financial problems will be solved if she can just meet a millionaire showbiz sugar daddy. Charlotte Allen makes her Playhouse debut as Linda, the put-upon young woman who just needs to meet the right man to bring happiness into a life made miserable by her selfish and irresponsible mother. Charlotte makes Linda’s unflagging optimism (and obsessions with Tony Christie) entirely believable – it is a winningly understated performance.

The fairly simple set is enhanced with a revolve (that takes us from Hull to York in just seconds) and good use of lighting. Directors Hilly Rundle and Chris Benstead are to be commended for bringing out authentic and enjoyable performances from their team of five actors. The audience clearly loved this show – make sure you don’t miss it!

Until Saturday. Call the box office on (01943) 609539.

Sarah Robinson