At Ilkley Playhouse the month ends with an unforgettable musical experience.
On Friday 31st March we celebrate the music of Roy Orbison, with the amazing Oliver Harris, whose vocal talent has been compared to legends such as Roy, Elvis and Elton. With a live band of talented musicians, The Roy Orbison Experience will take some of you down memory lane with hits including Pretty Woman, In Dreams, Blue Bayou, Only the Lonely and I Drove All Night. This is not a look-a-like tribute act, but rather a special live performance faithfully replicating the unique unrivalled sound of Roy Orbison.
Following a sell-out evening in January, Stagefright Comedy Club returns on Saturday 1st April. The event will be frontlined by Scott Bennett. Rob Brydon describes him as having 'great material, great delivery, a very funny man'. At Leicester Comedy Festival he was nominated in ‘best show’ and Chortle’s ‘One To Watch.’ He has performed at BBC’s Live at the Apollo and Live from The Edinburgh Fringe, Radio 4’s The News Quiz, The Now Show, The Likely Dads and Elephant in the Room with Sarah Millican. He has supported John Bishop and Jason Manford in their UK tour. Joining him is El Baldiniho. Hilarious Tommy Cooperesque antics as seen on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, John Bishop’s Britain for BBC One, The Mad Bad Ad Show for Channel 4 and Sorry I’ve Got No Head for CBBC. He is a marvellous comedian and magician of some repute. Don’t expect political satire but do expect silliness and your jaw aching from laughter. Also featuring is Eddy Midgley, an endearing chap in his early twenties making sense of the bizarre world of grown-ups with devastating comedic aplomb. Finally, Rich Austin, described in the Notts Comedy Review as ‘clever with well-structured material….daft and also funny.’ This will all be brilliantly compered by MC Anthony J Brown.
Last year Ilkley Playhouse’s 8x8x8 biennial playwriting competition for short plays attracted entries from all over the world. From 13th to 15th April in the Wildman Studio, the winning entries will be performed and you will be treated to a performance of eight plays, all eight minutes long. This year the theme is about something unusual occurring and is entitled ‘Once in a Blue Moon’. This wonderful night of entertainment comes to you courtesy of eight playwrights and fifteen great actors. Join us to witness these premieres and then chat to the authors, directors, performers and judges in our post-performance Q and A. You could even treat yourself to a signed copy of the plays.
Our next production opening in the Wharfeside Theatre on Thursday 20th April is Nell Gwynn, written by British playwright Jessica Swale. Set in London during Charles II’s reign, after years of puritan gloom, the King wants life to be exuberant, sexy and fun. He reopens the theatres and for the first time ever, women are allowed on to the stage. In Drury Lane, spirited and charming Nell Gwynn is selling oranges. Rising from the backstreets of London to become a star of the burgeoning West End, she wins the adoration of the public – and the heart of the King. This is a funny and heart-warming tale of a woman who triumphed against all the odds. Set in the riotous and vibrant world of Restoration England, Nell Gwynn is a joyful story of love, friendship, theatre and family. The play runs until Saturday 29th April.
Our next Wildman Studio production is A History of Falling Things by James Graham, opening on Monday 8th May. Robin writes children's books. He hasn't left the house since he was seven. Jacqui has 'an important job in the city' but these days she's power dressing at home. Then they find each other online and fall in love. It must have been written in the stars - their houses are just five minutes apart. Only there's a problem, neither is able to walk through their front door. But if they can't find the courage to confront their fear and embrace what's real, how are they ever going to stay together? This play is funny, touching, thought-provoking and hugely entertaining, a 21st Century love story. The play runs until Saturday 13th May.
To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.
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