ILKLEY Playhouse played host to 105 guests who attended a Gala Preview evening on September 13 to celebrate the launch of their new season of plays.

Following a drinks reception with entertainment from musicians Darren Dutson-Bromley and Steve Crocker guests enjoyed a preview performance of the new Playhouse presentation, Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.

The audience was delighted with Director David Kirk’s touches of humour and satire as well as the Christie-ish shocks and twists in the plot. It is starring some of the Playhouse’s most familiar faces, who joined the guests after the performance.

Ilkley Playhouse president Roger Davy said: "Throughout its history Ilkley Playhouse has been many supported by generations of local enthusiasts who have constantly striven to maintain professional standards in acting, stage setting and appropriate costume.

"During the past 20 years or so our local audience at live theatre has grown older as the younger generation who grow up in the town qualify and leave the area for pastures new, however, with a targeted wider programme of plays we are now seeing more youngsters attending. Several young people who first learnt stage-craft and technical skills in the Playhouse now work in the professional theatre.

"Many people new to Ilkley may not be aware of what we have to offer so it was decided to arrange a Gala Preview evening at the Playhouse to introduce the new season of plays."

Guests included representatives voluntary organisation and local schools, arts, music and film organisations.