Opening on Monday 8th May is the touching and very funny play A History of Falling Things by the acclaimed playwright James Graham.
The play tells the story of Jacqui and Robin who are prisoners of their fear of falling things and are restricted to living indoors. When they meet online a relationship begins which forces them to confront their fear and discover what's real in their lives and what really matters.
As the couple struggle to come to terms with how their online relationship will develop, the play explores themes of love, loss, family and the struggle to find meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain.
A History of Falling Things has been described by critics as "a thought-provoking and heartfelt exploration of mental illness and phobias". The play has been performed to critical acclaim across the UK and Europe, and is sure to resonate with audiences at Ilkley Playhouse.
The play promises to be a heart-warming and entertaining production that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. Director Rachel Conyers has assembled a talented cast and crew for this production and promises to be a highlight of the Ilkley theatrical season. The play will be performed in the intimate setting of the Wildman Studio, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the story. The play runs until Saturday 13th May.
The Wildman Studio will be hosting a variety of musical events this month starting with Chris Bannister’s ‘The Music of John Denver’ on Friday 19th May, which promises to be a very special evening. He will perform favourites including Sunshine On My Shoulders, Take Me Home Country Road, Leaving On A Jet Plane and of course Annie's Song.
On Saturday 20th May former West End singer Sandy Smith brings you A Night of the Stars. This show will take you on a journey through the decades from some of the legendary artistes of all time. From Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones, Cilla Black and Dusty Springfield, Barbara Streisland and Elaine Paige, right up to Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and many more. Each track is handpicked to wow and entertain you. This sell-out tour has something for everyone so book your tickets early.
On Friday 26th May Brotherhood of Troubadours return to Ilkley Playhouse. Three acclaimed singer/songwriters share the stage. Each has an established pedigree of performing solo, and with bands. When they share the stage to sing their own songs, a kind of magic happens which doesn't occur in a solo performance. Spontaneous backing vocals and accompaniment break forth, as well as a fair amount of banter and anecdotes, and possibly a rousing, foot-stomping ensemble number at the end. It's certainly a great way to experience their music.
Stagefright Comedy Club returns on Saturday 27th May frontlined by Edinburgh festival nominee Chris Washington. His mischievous Northern wit and amenable manner laced with subversive charm has been seen on Mock the Week, Live from the BBC, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Pointless Celebrities and House of Games. Joining him is Noel James from Britain’s Got Talent and The Stand Up Show. Jon Richardson (from 8 out of 10 Cats) says of him ‘Noel lives and dies by wordplay, his delivery a gabble of consciousness that skips from pun to giddy flights of fantasy. He betrays the soul of a poet and accomplishes it with such rare panache and commitment that it approaches art’. Supporting them is Rachel Robbins who is described as ‘having a warmth and natural charm that has an audience captivated from the start’ (Yellow Arch Comedy) and Louis Etienne who ‘has the swagger of an experienced act who is confident in his abilities’ (Notts Comedy Review). The evening will be compered by Anthony J Brown, former tour support for Alan Carr and Justin Moorhouse.
On Friday 2nd June, Yorkshire’s very own Celtic folk rock band, Gaelforce, will be performing in the Wildman Studio. Currently taking the folk scene by storm, you can expect traditional and original songs in a folk rock style with rocked up jigs and reels.
Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit is a play that needs no introduction. Opening in the Wharfeside Theatre on 8th June, the sumptuous, witty dialogue of Noel Coward is delivered in a crazy and chaotic set of ghostly circumstances. Novelist Charles Condomine and his second wife Ruth are literally haunted by a past relationship when an eccentric medium - Madame Arcati - inadvertently conjures up the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, at a séance. When she appears, visible only to Charles, and determined to sabotage his current marriage, life - and the afterlife - get complicated. The play runs until Saturday 17th June. This play will also travel to The Minack Theatre in Cornwall from 23rd to 27th July. Take a holiday and see both versions!
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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