THE Thrill of Love by Amanda Whittington draws you into the 1950s world of Ruth Ellis, the last woman in Britain to be hanged. What drove her to commit murder? Explore Ruth’s world through the eyes of Detective Jack Gale as he tries to understand the woman behind the headlines.

The Thrill of Love is ideal for anyone looking for a gripping piece of drama and classy entertainment. Brimming with topics and themes, it’s also perfect for book groups, social groups and anyone else who enjoys a spot of post-performance discussion. Look out in particular for Friday, January 25, when playwright Amanda Whittington herself will be in to watch the performance, and discuss the play with the audience afterwards. Opening tonight, 17th January, and running until the 26th The Thrill of Love promises to keep audiences enthralled until the very end.

Continuing with the theme of mystery and getting to the truth of the matter, somehow fitting for cosy winter nights in the warmth of theatreland, our next production in the Wildman studio is a chilling mystery. Haunting Julia, an unexpected ghost story from the pen of famed playwright Alan Ayckbourn. Running from Monday, February 4 to Saturday, February 12, it tells the story of an adolescent musical prodigy found dead in her student flat: accident, suicide or murder? A decade later, three people who were all deeply bound up in her life are reunited in the very room where she died. Prepare to be kept on the edge of your seat!

And after all that mystery and suspense, we’re balancing things out with some comedy. Our next Stagefright stand-up comedy night takes place on Saturday, February 16 and is billed as an Award Winners special.

The line-up features the winner of the Edinburgh Festival Spirit of The Fringe Award, Christian Reilly. Christian’s known for his improvisation, energy, guitar skills and vocal mimicry: typical targets are histrionic rock bands, musical theatre and morose indie musicians.

Joining Christian will be Tom Wrigglesworth, whom you may recognise from Russell Howard’s Good News, Edinburgh Comedy Fest and Electric Dreams. Tom’s eligibility in the Award Winners line-up comes from his recent Sony Award for his Radio 4 series Open Letters – plus his Chortle Award for Best Show, and a nomination for the main Edinburgh Festival award.

After the sell-out success of the junior Greenroom production of Pinocchio tutors Andrew Leggott and Lisa Debney are now in rehearsals with the Senior Greenrooms production of Chaos by Laura Lomas and in conjunction with National Theatre Connections project.

Each year, ten new plays are commissioned by National Theatre Connections especially for teenagers. The Senior Greenroom at Ilkley Playhouse are delighted to have been selected, as one of 250 participating companies nationwide, to produce this play. Look out for more about this innovative initiative. Chaos will be performed at Ilkley Playhouse Thursday, February 28 to Saturday, March 2.

Tickets for The Thrill of Love and all productions at Ilkley Playhouse can be bought online at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or by calling 01943 609539 during box office opening times.