AT Ilkley Playhouse we are thrilled that we have taken the tentative steps to reopening our doors to the public and that our first three plays have once again entertained and delighted our audiences. Behind the scenes a new season of plays has been selected and we are delighted that we can now share this programme of plays with you.

Our Autumn season kicks off with Agatha Christie’s thriller The Hollow. A weekend house party at The Hollow, the home of Sir Henry Angkatell and his wife Lucy, turns into a nightmare when tragedy strikes. Among the guests are three of the Angkatell cousins: Edward, Midge and Henrietta. Edward is in love with Henrietta and Midge is in love with Edward. Also present are Dr John Cristow and his wife Gerda. Imagine Cristow’s shock when he finds not only his wife and mistress Henrietta under the same roof, but also his ex-mistress Veronica Craye. The scene is set for murder. How fortunate that there is a detective on hand to help solve the mystery. Agatha Christie believed that this was one of the best stories she had ever written. If you are intrigued to find out why, get your tickets booked! The Hollow runs September 4th to the 11 in the Wharfeside Theatre.

Directed by Ilkley Playhouse’s talented actor Mark Simister, Flamingoland is a big-hearted, bittersweet comedy about mothers, sisters, love and lies. Writer Deborah McAndrew (former 90s Coronation Street actress who played the role of Angie) is a dramatist whose first two plays were developed as small-scale tours by the well-known theatre group Northern Broadsides. In creating Flamingoland Deborah McAndrew “has succeeded in writing four substantial roles for women” (The Guardian). The play is set in a Yorkshire townhouse where no-nonsense Mari is having a clear out. She is terminally ill with cancer and she doesn’t want anyone going through her things ‘after’. There is a lifetime of clutter to be sorted, the house to clean from top to bottom and the squirrels in the loft to deal with. But as well as memories of holidays in Mablethorpe and trips to Flamingoland, there’s a big box of family secrets to dust off. Will Mari decide to let things be or are some things too important to stay hidden forever? Dark and farcical, this is the story of four women who can’t talk about their feelings. Flamingoland runs from September 23 to the 25th in the Wildman Studio.

From November 4th to the 13th All My Sons by Arthur Miller will be performed in the Wharfeside Theatre. This powerful and classic play examines the relationships between families and the nature of guilt and responsibility. It is based on a true story of industrial neglect which led to the death of many pilots in World War Two. All My Sons had a huge impact when it was first produced in 1947, yet it is as fresh, exciting and relevant now as it was back then.

Our Christmas production Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson and adapted by Phil Willmott will be brought to you by our talented Greenroom students, supported by a handful of adult players. This is the first adaptation of Treasure Island with both male and female performers. This will be a rollicking, timber-shivering production, including audience participation, swordfights, a little dance and some sea shanties. You can consider it a pantomime as much as a play and it will be perfect for the family. The play runs from December 9th to the 18th in the Wharfeside Theatre and includes two matinee performances.

We are delighted to let you know that the rescheduled Frost/Nixon has been included in this season’s programme. The play, first performed in 2006 is written by screenwriter and dramatist Peter Morgan, whose writing credits include ‘The Queen’, ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and ‘The Damned United’. The play is based on the true story of how David Frost approached Nixon’s office to be given the exclusive right to interview the disgraced President Nixon in the wake of his resignation after Watergate. Whether you know anything about the Watergate scandal or the history of the Frost/Nixon TV interview, this play is a must-see, exposing the vanity of politics, corruption and power. Frost/Nixon will run in the Wharfeside Theatre from January 13th to the 22nd.

In addition to the main productions that we offer you this coming season, Ilkley Playhouse also has plenty of events, many rescheduled from last year, lined up for you to look forward to.

Firstly, following a sell-out show in 2019, Chris Bannister returns to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday, September 17th with his show ‘The Music of John Denver’ for what promises to be a very special evening. He will perform favourites including Sunshine On My Shoulders, Take Me Home Country Roads, Leaving On A Jet Plane and of course Annie’s Song. Unlike other ‘lookalike’ tributes, Chris performs the songs in his own unique way which has brought him widespread acclaim.

The following evening, on Saturday, September 18th, Fire and Rain will raise the roof in the Wildman Studio performing the music of James Taylor and Carole King. This band is not a tribute or sound-a-like act. It’s simply a collection of five of the best musicians from the North of England coming together to play music they love. You can expect the classic James Taylor & Carole King songs played with skill, passion, emotion, humour and humility. Incredibly popular musicians in their own right, Tom Townsend (The Tom Townsend Blues Band) Rich Adams & Mark Gordon (Stony), Paul Tilley and Bob Walker abandon their usual bands and projects for this one-off tour to bring the joy of Taylor & King’s music to you in what they call a ‘magical musical holiday’. Building upon the success of the recent years, Fire and Rain is delighted to be able to bring this wonderful concert to Ilkley Playhouse in order to celebrate the music of two timeless singer songwriters and performers, in what will be a memorable evening of first class entertainment.

The Art of Simon return to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday, October 22nd featuring special guest Graham Hodge. Here is an opportunity to lose yourself in nostalgia as Bryan and Jeremy perform the classic hits of Simon and Garfunkel. The Art of Simon faithfully recreate Paul Simon’s songs including Mrs Robinson, Flowers Never Bend, Rainfall, Homeward Bound and Bridge Over Troubled Water. If you are a lover of contemporary music this is one show not to be missed. This will be an evening in the Wildman Studio filled with joy and memories.

Back by popular demand, Laurel Canyon Union return to the Wildman Studio on Saturday, October 23rd to perform their tribute to the sounds of 60s/70s LA Cool Californian Country Rock. The event is supported by Nick Hall, multi-award-winning singer-songwriter who has toured the world as a session guitarist and recently sang at the London Palladium with Al Stewart. Rewind with the songs of the Woodstock generation, from the gentle reflection of James Taylor to the rebel fury of Neil Young. Expect a performance of light and shade, love peace and understanding.

If you were at the last fantastic sell-out Soul Train experience in the Wildman, then you’ll be keen to grab a return ticket for Saturday, November 20th before it becomes another sell out gig! Soul Train deliver enthusiastic performances of Soul and Motown classics popular to the Stax label of the 60’s and 70’s, tributing legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Wilson Pickett Sam and Dave, to name but a few. The line-up features two powerful vocalists, who together deliver an energetic, flamboyant performance with outstanding vocals and stage presence. The band is made up from the finest, seasoned musicians to compile an exceptional line up that features Drums, Bass, Guitar, Trumpet, Tenor, Alto and Baritone Sax, creating a phenomenal authentic sound. This Yorkshire based band are one of the county’s most sought after authentic Soul Acts in the UK, delivering an outstanding performance that continues to impress audiences with their fantastic renditions of timeless classics. Please note that this is a standing event with limited seating to make space for dancing.

Just to give you a little taster but without giving too much away, the plays for our Spring/Summer season have been selected and we have many treats in store including murder-mystery The Hound of the Baskervilles, our summer musical Singin’ in the Rain and Skipton-based play The Cracked Pot (please note that these are not yet available to book on our website).

So there is plenty to look forward to at Ilkley Playhouse from September. In the meantime, don’t forget Bard in the Yard incorporating two half-hour Shakespeare plays in one performance: the iconic Macbeth and romantic comedy Twelfth Night. The plays will be performed in the Wildman Theatre on Saturday, August 28th at 7.30pm and in The Manor House Courtyard on Sunday 29th and Monday 30th August at 2pm (with special thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund for funding this community project as part of their #CelebrateNationalLottery25.

You can find more details and book tickets for our forthcoming plays and events on our website www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk. Alternatively you can call Ilkley Playhouse Box Office during opening hours on 01943 609 539. Tickets for the Bard in the Yard Manor House performances are available at www.ilkleymanorhouse.org