A MAD March mix-tape of music and magic is playing for you at Ilkley Playhouse.

The Wildman Studio is gaining a strong reputation as a music and events venue, as the line up this month can attest. First, turn up and tune into Laurel Canyon Union on Friday, March 22. Specialists in 60s and 70s West Coast Americana, Laurel Canyon Union perform the songs of Neil Young, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, The Byrds, and James Taylor, among many others. As an extra treat they will be supported by award-winning singer/songwriter Nick Hall.

Next comes the magic in the mix with Forster & Smith and their show Inevitable. Prepare to be amazed and astounded on Saturday, March 23 by their magical mastery, mind reading, suggestion and comedy. It’s a great evening’s entertainment with spectacular tricks and amusing patter. Forster & Smith give control over to the audience allowing freedom of choice throughout the entire evening, before demonstrating one of the most dangerous effects in magic. The recommended age for this show is 14+, but this decision is down to the parental discretion.

Next we are drawn to the fringe of things – specifically, fringe theatre, which bring its own magic to the playlist. Fringe double bills, featuring two pieces of innovative and new writing, are always popular, with directors taking a fresh approach to materials and techniques. We the Generation is a collection of contemporary monologues exploring the so-called millennial generation. This is followed by Jess and Joe Forever, complimenting the first play with a tale of teenage friendship, growing up and belonging. Intriguingly, and rather tastily, it’s billed as “a coming-of-age tale full of soil, secrets and scotch eggs”. This double bill contains strong language and is recommended only for audiences aged 14 and over. We the Generation and Jess and Joe Forever runs from March 27 to 29.

Good mix tapes always include something unfamiliar, so for our next offering on the March playlist we have reached as far as distant Shipley and its Little Theatre touring company to bring you Gun, on Saturday, March 30. Based on the works of one of the world’s greatest storytellers, Anton Chekov, Gun brings three of his stories to the stage. It explores the humour, absurdity and violence simmering below the surface in three situations: a lecture, a heart-to-heart between friends, and an encounter between a widow and her late husband’s debtor.

Finally, there are still a few performances of Bill Naughton’s Spring and Port Wine still to run in our production of a well-loved and much-studied play. On until Saturday, March 16, you are welcomed into the Wharfeside theatre to meet the Crompton household and their patriarch Rafe. Prepare for simmering family tensions, generational divide, love and loyalty and a plate of infamous herring.

Tickets for all productions and events can be bought online at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk, or by calling 01943 609539 during our opening hours.

Claire Emmott