Prepare for a summer feast of Shakespeare with Bard in the Yard, returning for the third year.

Ilkley Playhouse will be presenting a half hour version of “Hamlet” directed by Dick Hebbert plus half an hour of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” directed by Andrew Leggott. Performances will take place on Saturday 26th August at 7-30 pm in the Wildman Theatre and at the Manor House Yard on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August (Bank Holiday).

A spokesperson said: "We shall be holding open auditions on Wednesday 3rd May at Ilkley Playhouse at 7-30 pm. There is no need to prepare in advance; we shall simply read the works. All members (and non-members) are eligible to attend. We also welcome those who will be in School Years 12 and 13 from September. Rehearsals will start on 30th July. Some holidays for participants will be possible, by negotiation with the Directors."

HAMLET – Dick Hebbert writes: “There’s something rotten in the state of Denmark…Hamlet seeks to avenge the murder of his father at the hands of his uncle, who, having killed Hamlet’s father has married Hamlet’s mother. In this half hour version, one of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays there’s a ghost, murder most foul, poison, plots, sword fights, a play-within-a-play, graveyards, a skull, two minor characters who later became stars in their own play and more quotable lines than you’ll find in the Oxford Book of English Verse."

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM – Andrew Leggott writes: "There’s also a play-within-a-play in this, Shakespeare’s best-loved comedy, as an ill-assorted bunch of rowdy workers aspire to thespian heights, impeded by the King and Queen of the fairies and their followers, led by the mischievous sprite, Puck. Oh, and a certain ass’s head plays a part too. No lovers in this production, to leave more room for the shenanigans of the fairies and mechanicals!

"This is a great opportunity to get involved in a glorious piece of collaborative ‘pop-up’ theatre in one of Ilkley’s most charming open-air locations."

If you have any queries please contact Andrew Leggott on 01943 602014 or 0798603257 or email a.leggott1@btinternet.com. Otherwise just turn up on the night!