Ilkley Playhouse

THE nights are getting darker, and what a different turning back the clock an hour makes. At Ilkley Playhouse we’ve turned the clock back even further: the cogs have been cranked back 40 years, as we enter into the hallowed rooms of Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher for the Playhouse’s latest production, Handbagged.

It’s an exploration of what these two women might have said to each other at their weekly meetings, their dynamic explored through innovative staging and lots of humour.

It’s an entertaining pseudo-history, and should be essential viewing as, in the words of director Julia O’Keefe, it “paves the way to our current situation, illuminating the clash of idealistic visions that were at the heart at of the time: Commonwealth versus Capitalism, Idealism versus Materialism. The dialogue fizzes with comedy and irony whilst packing a powerful punch. So join us in the room where it happened...or didn’t… and make up your own mind.”

Handbagged runs from October 31 until November 9.

Rousing soul sensation Soul Train are ready to raise your spirits and raise the roof of the Wildman studio on Saturday, November 23. This popular Yorkshire band are a soul act who tour the UK with their outstanding performances of timeless classics by legendary labels such as Stax and Motown. Get your ticket, jump on board and take a ride through the genius of Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, and many more.

Soul Train feature two powerful and charismatic vocalists who whip up the crowd with their energetic performance featuring outstanding vocals and charismatic stage presence. The band is made up of the finest, seasoned musicians, featuring drums, bass, guitar, and a sizeable horn section, together creating a phenomenal, authentic soul sound. It would make a great night out for a pre-Christmas work do or a night out with friends.

Also coming up we have the popular Rob Dylan Band on Friday, November 22, as well as our regular Stagefright comedy club (featuring Justin Moorhouse and Jack Carroll), which will be rocking the Playhouse with laughter on Saturday, November 30.

Our website is full of fantastic upcoming productions and events. Take a look – we adopt a ‘something for everyone’ approach, so there’s plenty to choose from for entertaining, interesting and funny nights out in Ilkley. Find us at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk.

Claire Emmott