Classic Victorian thriller Gaslight opens in the Wharfeside Theatre at Ilkley Playhouse on 15th January, Caroline Mutton previews this and more highlights for the start of 2026.
The writer of Gaslight, Patrick Hamilton, could never have imagined his 1938 drama would give today’s world such a powerful term. The term ‘gaslighting’ - psychological manipulation intended to make the victim question their insanity – has become embedded in today’s language. The term derives from this play, which is itself fittingly deceptive. On the surface it is a Victorian melodrama, but it is uncannily insightful and accurate in its depiction of an abusive relationship. In the play, Jack Manningham manipulates and undermines his wife, Bella. His temper is constantly fluctuating; he dismisses and belittles her, and, by turning the lights on and off, starts to make her think she is going mad. But as secrets unravel and tensions rise, nothing is quite what it seems…..This classic stage play explores themes of trust, control and deception and promises an evening of suspense and edge-of-your seat drama. Perfect for a dark, cold, winter evening. Gaslight runs until Saturday 24th January.
Our six-week modern art course starting in the New Year looks at various artistic couples and explores the connections between their works and their contribution to the art movements they belonged to. The course starts on Wednesday 21st January (10.30am-12pm) and considers the work of Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Gabriele Munter and Wassily Kandinsky, Alexander Rodchenko and Varvara Stepanova, Man Ray and Lee Miller, Anni and Josef Albers, Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg. The course tutor is Dr Simon Marginson, an independent art historian and curatorial researcher. £48 for six sessions.
On Friday 30th January stunning female trio Belle Voix bring the timeless sounds of Motown and Northern Soul to Ilkley Playhouse. Featuring over thirty iconic hits including Do I Love You, Tainted Love, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Midnight Train To Georgia and more. Starring Sandy Smith, Sophie Mairi and Briony Gunn, whose credits include London’s West End, Cruise Liners and Luxury Hotels, the trio deliver a powerful, soul-stirring performance that will have audiences singing along.
The following evening, on Saturday 31st January at 8pm, Stagefright Comedy Club returns to the Wildman Studio. Frontlining the event is Liam Farrelly, Scottish Comedian Of The Year from Live At The Apollo, described as having ‘a natural storytelling flair’ (Beyond The Joke). Paisley-born Liam began performing stand-up comedy aged seventeen while still in high school. He went into comedy full-time after graduating and in 2021 he was a finalist in the BBC New Comedy Award at the tender age of twenty-one. He also won the Frog & Bucket Beat The Frog World series in the same year and has established himself as a headline act all over the UK and beyond. Joining him is Double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee from Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and The Stand Up Sketch Show - comedian Ian Smith. Ian is a regular on BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, which he guest-hosted this year - and has appeared on The Now Show, Just A Minute, The Ultimate Choice, One Person Found This Helpful and his own Radio 4 stand-up series, Ian Smith is Stressed. Also performing is Becky Heaviside, described as ‘intellectual and earthy’ (Notts Comedy Review), Big Shaun, former singer in cult Yorkshire band Everly Pregnant Brothers, and Rob Coleman - 'full of one-liners, he had the packed venue in fits of laughter' (The Jokers Club). The evening’s event will be superbly compered by Anthony J Brown, who has very recently been voted Best Promoter at this year’s Yorkshire Comedy Awards.
Back by popular demand, Jon Palmer Acoustic Band [pictured above] returns to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday 6 February. This is a six-piece band that performs with a passion and enthusiasm that matches the content of Jon’s songs. Mixing the traditional with the contemporary, Jon Palmer writes songs with soaring, memorable choruses that you will struggle to get out of your head, long after the evening is over.
The following evening, Saturday 7th February, Holly Taymar makes her debut performance at Ilkley Playhouse, singing the songs of Eva Cassidy. A highly accomplished singer-songwriter from York, Holly Taymar brings to life the timeless music in appreciation of one of the most beloved voices of the 20th Century. With a voice perfectly suited to Eva Cassidy’s unique blend of folk, jazz and blues, Holly performs renditions of classics such as Fields of Gold, Songbird, Over the Rainbow, Time After Time and Autumn Leaves. This show is not an impersonation; it’s a heartfelt homage to an artist who left a lasting impact on Holly’s development as an artist, and on the world of music. Expect an intimate, moving and unforgettable evening for those who cherish Eva Cassidy’s legacy.
To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.
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