LUNCHTIME shoppers in Ilkley may have seen a group of enthusiastic and energetic students from Ilkley Playhouse’s Greenroom drama classes performing by the bandstand on Saturday.

More than 20 students performed a collection of short scenes that they had created themselves. These were rehearsed pieces based around the theme of ‘Summer’, which the students had worked on for only two weeks during the Playhouse's Saturday morning sessions. Onlookers were treated to a glimpse of physical and vocal warm-up exercises, led by Greenroom tutors Andrew Leggott and Lisa Debney.

This was followed by an improvisation session. In ‘scenes from Ilkley’, students were directed to be customers at Betty’s, enjoying afternoon tea, or shoppers parking on The Grove. All performed with relish and enthusiasm, and greeted with laughter! The unsuspecting audience was delighted with the dramatic interlude into their afternoon in Ilkley and left feeling lightened and lifted.

Greenroom tutor Andrew Leggott described the occasion as “a magnificent opportunity to show off the talents of our Senior Greenroom members”. Both Andrew and Lisa wanted to give the students the feel of performing in the open air, braving the experience of improvising in front of an audience. Andrew added: “Our Greenroom stalwarts were undaunted, and did themselves proud. Greenroom classes nurture both confidence and teambuilding skills, and this unusual shared experience will stand them in good stead."

Ilkley Playhouse will be back at the Bandstand on The Grove on Saturday, December 1 from 11am, when the cast of A Christmas Carol will be singing Christmas carols.

You can also see Junior Greenroom members (aged eight to 11) performing in Pinocchio in January, while Senior Greenroom students (aged 12 to 18) will be performing Chaos as part of the National Theatre’s NT Connections project next year. Some Greenroom students will also be appearing in A Christmas Carol.

Greenroom classes are held at Ilkley Playhouse on Saturday mornings. If you’d like more information, contact Ilkley Playhouse.