ILKLEY PLAYHOUSE

TIS soon to be the season to make merry and spread cheer!

And what better way to mark Yuletide than with Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, in an Ilkley Playhouse production adapted by Peter Leech and directed by our own Mervyn Button. As, dear reader, you may well recall, Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly old man who hates all that is good in the world. One Christmas Eve he is haunted by his deceased business partner Jacob Marley and warned that he will be visited by three further ghosts. Our production is a joyful celebration of this well-loved tale with authentic carols and traditional dance for atmosphere. Come share the happiness, love and generosity of the story – bring your friends or family and get the season off to a joyous start! A Christmas Carol runs from December 5 to15. Tickets are being whisked away so don’t delay!

As the Playhouse has never just one tale to tell, here is a quick glimpse of what else is in store. The Last Resort will visit the Wildman Studio on Friday, November 23. This production, brought to us by guests The Falling Stars Theatre Company, is an immersive portrayal of life in a Northern seaside resort.

Turning to music, the Rob Dylan Band and Jester B are filling the Wildman with the music of Bob Dylan on Saturday, November 24. Jester B are always popular with local audiences, renowned for their classic vocal harmonies and a guaranteed night of great music. Search for them on Youtube to find out more.

Into December, 1 to be exact, we welcome our next Stagefright stand-up comedy night. Seymore Mace, as seen on The Weird World Of Russell Brand and The Stand-Up Show, is joined by 2013 Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jack Carroll. Since then he’s worked with Jason Manford and Vic Reeves and appeared on Sunday Night At The Palladium and It’s Been A Funny Old Week. There’ll be full support, plus compere Anthony J Brown.

Ilkley Playhouse is also celebrating its 90th anniversary (see pages 28-29). While we are celebrating our 90th birthday and looking back over past productions we are also looking forward to what Ilkley Playhouse has become today, and the place it will hold in the heart of the community in the future. Past months have seen us welcome more live music, outstanding comedians, festivals, and touring productions; meanwhile, the space is now being used as a base for more local community groups.

Recently, local businesses were invited to a gala drinks reception hosted by Playhouse President Roger Davy and Theatre Manager Justine Sowden to showcase our sell-out production of Barnbow Canaries. The representatives, from various areas of Ilkley commerce, enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere in the Playhouse and left impressed with the facilities on offer. Justine said: “We are very proud of our reputation as an independent community theatre offering superb productions and events that attract all ages and interests, allowing Ilkley Playhouse to play an integral part in Ilkley’s community arts scene.

“It’s wonderful to see so many individuals, groups and organisations enjoying our vibrant theatre.”

The Playhouse has been used as a venue in recent months by Ilkley Literature Festival, Ilkley Film Society, U3A voyagers, NHS awareness days, mindfulness classes, vintage fairs, private birthday parties, local businesses for corporate events, presentations and meetings, dance groups, drama groups, art groups and even a poetry class starting; so when you are thinking about ‘What’s On’ at Ilkley Playhouse, our offering extends beyond productions, music and comedy.

There is always more to discover at this warm and welcoming home!

For more information about productions, events, tickets and what Ilkley Playhouse has to offer, call 01943 609539 or visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk