Caroline Mutton takes a look at the upcoming events at Ilkley Playhouse.
This coming Friday 4th April The Art of Simon make a welcome return to Ilkley Playhouse, performing their extensive range of songs made famous by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel from the early years through to some of their solo hits. The evening will no doubt bring back some warm, nostalgic memories with songs such as Baby Driver, A Poem on the Underground Wall, The Boxer and Homeward Bound.
On Saturday 5th April, we welcome back The Yorkshire Gypsy Swing Collective when some of the region’s hottest gypsy jazz and swing players will perform, playing music inspired from legendary musicians Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli of the “Quintette du Hot Club de France” and more! Expect fiery solos, foot-stomping rhythms and even some jazz standards to sing along to.
On Friday 11th April, join us for an unforgettable night of hand-clapping, toe-tapping music with The Wild Murphys, a popular award-winning tribute group renowned for their lively cover of Irish songs. If you like songs by The Pogues, The Dubliners, The Saw Doctors, Brendan Shine, The Fureys, along with some great sing-along country classics, then this is a night out you don’t want to miss!
Our next play to open in the Wharfeside Theatre on Thursday 24th April is compelling play Mary Shelley. Best known as the author of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley was the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft - a writer, philosopher and advocate for women’s rights - who died when Mary was just a tiny baby. Helen Edmundson's biographical drama explores a key period in the early life of Mary Shelley – her scandalous elopement with the infamous married poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and its consequences for her sisters, her stepmother and her troubled father, the political philosopher William Godwin. Andrew Leggott, director of the play says “Mary Shelley lived what could truly be described as a ‘Gothic’ life. The daughter of two renowned philosophers, she was largely home educated. At a young age she eloped against her father’s wishes. Not long into their marriage, Percy drowned. This excellent play covers a tumultuous two years of her life, from meeting Percy to marrying him, shortly after which she anonymously published one of the greatest horror stories ever written.” The play runs until Saturday 3rd May.
Opening on 12th May in the Wildman Studio, come and enjoy a compelling literary detective story about the turbulent lives of the Bronte sisters. In 1845, Branwell Bronte returns home in disgrace, plagued by his addictions. As he descends into alcoholism and insanity, bringing chaos to the household, his sisters write. Polly Teale’s extraordinary play evokes the real and imagined worlds of the Brontes, as their fictional characters come to haunt their creators. This production is part of our Bronte project, in the year that Bradford is City of Culture and celebrating the wider district. The play runs until 17th May.
On Saturday 24th May Stagefright Comedy Club returns to the Wildman Studio. Imminent superstar Scott Bennett frontlines the event, well known from The Royal Variety Performance, Live at the Apollo, Live from The Edinburgh Fringe, The News Quiz, The Now Show, The Likely Dads and Elephant in the Room with Sarah Millican. He was UK tour support for John Bishop and Jason Manford. ‘Great material, great delivery, a very funny man' – (Rob Brydon). Yorkshire Comedy Awards Best Breakthrough Act and Hull New Comedian of the Year Jack Maclean also performs. He was tour support for Josh Jones who describes him as 'one of the best new acts on the circuit.’ Expect a cracking moustache, gaudy jumper, oodles of onstage charisma and hilarious, finely honed material. The Stand describe him as 'an absolute star. Very, very funny and likeable.' Amy Albright joins the line-up who is described as 'a warm presence with undeniable taste for comical adventure’(Comedy on the Coast). London Evening Standard's Critic's Choice and UK Pun Championship winner Rob Mann brings the evening to a close. The event will be fabulously compered by Anthony J. Brown.
The ever-popular Laurel Canyon Union return to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday 30th May. This union of fully professional, experienced musicians take their inspiration from the late 60s/early 70s American West Coast singer songwriter era, playing well -known songs from artists such as Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Eagles, James Taylor, Crosby Stills and Nash, Buffalo Springfield and many more. Opening the show are acoustic folk duo Reuben and the Bridge.
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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