ILKLEY Players are set to beat the lockdown with “Bard in the Yard Monologues” this month.

The plan was to present three, half-hour versions of Shakespeare’s most popular plays in the Manor House Yard on August bank holiday weekend.

Coronavirus put paid to that idea. Due to Government restrictions, rehearsing the combined casts of 20 plus players would have been impossible.

Not to be discouraged it was decided to present favourite Shakespearian monologues instead. These could be rehearsed in private and over electronic “Zoom” meetings, and presented with full social distancing.

A spokesperson for Ilkley Players said: “So we are hoping for fair weather on the bank holiday weekend.

“Two separate programmes of monologues will be presented on Sunday, 30th August and Monday 31st August at 2pm in the Manor House Yard. “Audience seating will be appropriately distanced in the safe open-air environment, although the audience may wear masks if they wish.

“No pre-booking is necessary and the bucket collection will be split between the Manor House and the Playhouse, both of which have been suffering from lack of income during the crisis.

“Early arrival is recommended at the performances as restrictions on numbers may have to be imposed.

“A dozen of your favourite monologues – comic, tragic and historical – will be presented in each one-hour performance. “The Macbeths (M and F) will be rubbing shoulders with Malvolio, Helena with Hotspur, Bassanio with Benedick and many more. Come to both performances!

“A rare opportunity to witness live Shakespeare in the open air on two sunny afternoons in Ilkley.”