Plan your next visit to Ilkley Playhouse, we take a look at the latest what's on guide.
This coming Friday 17th April The After Hours Quintet will be making their Ilkley Playhouse debut, treating audiences to a scintillating, exhilarating jaunt through the vaults of British Trad Jazz, New Orleans Swing, Gypsy Jazz and Jump Blues. Led by front man Oly Clarkson (on Sax, Clarinet, Harmonica & Saw) the band has thrilled audiences from Dublin to Dubai on their decade-long journey. Seasoned professional Danny Hammerton (Trumpet - Pasadina Roof Orchestra, Glen Miller Orchestra) and Vernon Bigsby (Hot Club of Halifax) are the two latest additions, making for a very impressive lineup alongside John Arnesen and Elliot Roffe (Ancient Infinity Orchestra) on drums and double bass. Expect to hear classics from the American song book blended seamlessly alongside 90's anthems; reimagined in the swing style.
The following evening, Saturday 18th April, Ilkley Playhouse welcome traditional Irish folk band The Hooliemen for the first time. The band is made up of four seasoned and highly accomplished musicians who have played together for decades. They bring a lifetime of experience, energy, and artistry to every performance. With up-tempo Irish traditional music at their core, The Hooliemen deliver thrilling jigs and reels, heartfelt ballads, tight vocal harmonies, unaccompanied (a cappella) songs, and the unique flair of sean-nós dance. Their set features beautiful renditions of well-known Irish songs as well as high-energy instrumental sets.
This month brings the eagerly-awaited Calendar Girls The Musical to the Wharfeside Theatre on Wednesday 22nd April. This Wharfedale story went viral in 1999 and is still inspiring us today. It has been a film, a play and is now a musical with passionate and catchy music by Gary Barlow and a wonderful, moving script by Tim Firth. The death of a much-loved husband prompts a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire Women's Institute to do something extraordinary: create a nude calendar to raise money for charity. News spreads fast in their community and none of them expect the emotional and personal repercussions, but gradually the making of the fabulous and funny calendar brings each woman unexpectedly into bloom. Packed full of unforgettable songs, every performance continues to prove that there is no such thing as an ordinary woman. Calendar Girls The Musical runs until Saturday 2nd May and tickets are already selling out quickly so book soon! Please note that there will be a signed performance in British Sign Language for the second matinee on Saturday 2nd May.
Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating the best of Blues music on Friday 8th May. Three incredible acts will showcase Blues classics as well as original Yorkshire blues by exceptionally talented local artists. This is the second exciting night in partnership between Ilkley Live and Ilkley Playhouse. Enjoy a fantastic evening in support of Ilkley Live, a local charity dedicated to fostering community cohesion and promoting live music in the area.
Our next Stagefright Comedy Club takes place on Saturday 9th May and will be frontlined by Stephen Carlin, who has been described as ‘one of the top 10 comedians in the world ever.’ (Stewart Lee). The acclaimed Caledonian comedian has featured on The Alternative Comedy Experience, Comedy At The Fringe, Comedy Cuts, Comedy Central Live, Radio 4’s Loose Ends & Friday Night Live. Edinburgh Festival Award winner 2025 Paul Campbell will be joining him. 'His jokes are beautifully written and land perfectly' (Beyond the Joke). The brilliant host of the ‘Sex, Drugs & Crippling Debt’ podcast Annabelle Devey will also be performing. She has been described as ‘a really great performer. Self-possessed and self-aware with a slew of highly amusing observations.’ (SFC). ‘Charming and quick-witted’ John Pease will end the evening with ‘great storytelling and likeability (Gilded Balloon). The evening will be compered by Yorkshire Comedy Awards Best Promoter Anthony J Brown, who has ‘more stings in the tail than a scorpion with a migraine' (Leeds Guide).
This summer will mark the seventh year of Bard in the Yard, when Ilkley Playhouse presents miniature Shakespeare plays in the Manor House Yard. This year The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing will be performed. Performances will take place in the Wildman Studio on the evening of Saturday 29th August and at 2 pm in the open air at the Manor House Yard on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August (Bank Holiday). We shall be holding open auditions on Wednesday 13th May in the Wildman Studio, starting at 7.30 pm. There is no need to prepare in advance, we shall simply read the works. All members (and non-members) are welcome to attend. We also welcome those who will be in School Years 12 and 13 from September 2026, as we shall be able to allow some flexibility in casting. Rehearsals will start on Sunday 2nd August, and some holidays during August will be possible for participants, by negotiation with the Directors. This is a great opportunity to get involved in a glorious piece of collaborative ‘pop-up’ theatre in one of Ilkley’s most charming open-air locations. If you have any queries about the above, or are unable to attend the auditions, please do not hesitate to contact Director Andrew Leggott at a.leggott1@btinternet.com Otherwise just turn up on the night.
Local theatre company That’s The Badger Productions is heading back to school this June as they present Teechers, the hilarious and fast-paced comedy by John Godber. Follow three cheeky school leavers as they bring their final drama project to life – a riotous play-within-a-play that lifts the lid on life at a struggling inner-city school. This fast-paced play dives into the highs and lows of school life, inspiring teachers, and the unforgettable characters that roam the corridors. It’s witty, rebellious and highly relatable. Teechers will be performed from the 3rd to 6th June in the Wildman Studio.
To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.
Former Ilkley Mayor standing for Liberal Democrats in Bradford elections
New Litter Awards to recognise local environmental heroes
Local runners take on the London Marathon to support Children’s Charity
A true sporting legend comes to King’s Hall Ilkley
Yorkshire Water begins work on Ilkley wetland
Musical Annie opens on Wednesday at King's Hall
Ilkley Carnival announces volunteer groups to benefit from event profits
Yorkshire Day celebrations to return and performers are needed
New aesthetics clinic opened in Ilkley
Care home's Plank Against Cancer challenge
Candidates announced for Ilkley and Wharfedale wards at Bradford local elections
Line-up for Ilkley Pride 2026 announced as tickets go on sale
Conservative candidates announced for Ilkley & Addingham
Calls for a referendum into water industry ownership from Ilkley clean river campaigners
Police seek public help after £23k worth of goods stolen
Ilkley MP says fireworks consultation must lead to action
Ilkley boxer plans comeback after life-changing reunion
Upcoming 'not to miss' author events at The Grove Bookshop
The moving 'Stabat Mater' Friday lunchtime at St Margaret's
Get ‘In The Mood’ at King’s Hall Ilkley
