Ilkley Playhouse

Our current production A History of Falling Things is well underway in the Wildman Studio and runs until Saturday 13th May. Robin and Jacqui meet in an online chat room. Romance blossoms and the next logical step is to meet. What could be simpler? They only live a few streets apart. Only there’s a problem – they cannot leave their homes due to a crippling fear of things falling from the sky (keraunothnetophobia – a phobia that really exists). If they can’t find the courage to confront their fear and embrace what is real, how are they ever going to stay together? This is a truly original play – a romantic story with a difference – that premiered in 2009 and there is a film in the making. Humorous, touching, thought provoking and hugely entertaining, it is a 21st Century love story from James Graham, one of the country’s finest writers.

We have a musical feast on offer throughout May 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.

Our next play to open in the Wharfeside Theatre is the classic comedy Blithe Spirit written by Noel Coward. Described by the playwright as “an improbable farce”, the play concerns the socialite and novelist Charles Condomine, who invites the eccentric clairvoyant Madame Arcati to his house to conduct a séance, hoping to gather material for his new book. The scheme backfires when he is haunted by the ghost of his wilful and temperamental first wife, Elvira. When the ghost of Elvira 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.

To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.