Caroline Mutton takes as a look at what's on at Ilkley Playhouse for Your Ilkley.
Helen Edmundson’s captivating play Mary Shelley is currently being performed in the Wharfeside Theatre and as these comments suggest, it has been incredibly well-received over the past week. “The play was so good, I was sorry when it ended. The story is heart-breaking at times”. “Don’t miss this quite unusual play, the actors were superb and really brought the play to life.” “A super play and great cast.” “An excellent and very enjoyable performance.” The play concentrates on a key period in Mary Shelley’s life – from when, aged sixteen, she meets the already married poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, to their subsequent elopement to France, through to her writing one of the greatest Gothic stories of all time; Frankenstein. Mary Shelley was the daughter of the now celebrated feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft (who died soon after giving birth to Mary) and William Godwin, a radical philosopher and writer. This undoubtedly explains why Mary Shelley went on to live such a remarkable and unconventional life and conceive the story of Frankenstein. However, this play pays little attention to her book. Mary Shelley is a different kind of horror story where the passion of an intense love affair and the meeting of two liberal minds lead to the destruction of their families and to heartbreak and grief. The play runs until Saturday 3rd May – don’t miss it!
Our next play to open in the Wildman Studio is Polly Teale’s Bronte - a compelling literary detective story about the turbulent lives of the Bronte sisters. The play explores how three Victorian sisters living in isolation on the Yorkshire moor, came to write some of the most powerful and passionate fiction of all time. We see the real and imagined worlds of Charlotte, Emily and Anne as the fictional characters come to haunt their creators and how they are affected by their brother Branwell’s descent into alcoholism and insanity. 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 from 12th till 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). Rich McCulloch (genuinely brilliant! Great stage presence and hilarious songs’ – Micky P. Kerr, Britain’s Got Talent finalist) brings the evening to a close. The event will be fabulously compered by Anthony J. Brown.
We welcome back Laurel Canyon Union 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.
On Friday 6th June, enjoy a night of classics performed by Edinburgh festival award-winning vocalist, Oliver Harris, and the amazing Oliver Harris Band! He brings his tributes to The Caruso and King of Rock and Roll, Roy Orbison and Elvis. Oliver’s set-list includes Pretty Woman, I Drove All Night, You Got It, Only the Lonely, Heartbreak Hotel, Suspicious Minds, Wonder of You, and many more. If you love the classics, this is an event not to be missed!
On Wednesday 4th June Ilkley Playhouse opens its doors to showcase our wonderful community theatre for an Open Evening. Don’t miss this opportunity to take a look at our wonderful space and peek behind the scenes to discover how our dedicated volunteers bring our productions to life! Enjoy guided tours where you can meet our stage management team, set designers, builders and painters, members of the technical team, members of the costume and props department and our front of house team. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. This is your chance to have a look around and be inspired to get involved.
The Rob Dylan Band, the UK’s greatest tribute to the music of Bob Dylan, return to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday 4th July. Formed by a group of musicians who share a passion for the music of Bob Dylan, their performance captures the spirit of the Rolling Thunder Revue with exciting and dynamic playing and powerful vocals.
On Saturday 5th July former West End singer Sandy Smith brings you A Night of the Stars. This show will take you on a journey through the decades from some of the legendary artistes of all time. From Shirley Bassey, Barbara Streisand, Tina Turner, Diana Ross and Adele right up to Celine Dion, Abba, Whitney Houston, Queen and many more. Each track is handpicked to wow and entertain you. This sell-out tour has something for everyone so book your tickets early!
To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.
MasterChef Stars announced for sixth Ilkley Food and Drink Festival
Ilkley firefighters called to barbecue on Ilkley Moor
Meet cricket legend Sir Alastair Cook at the King’s Hall
Alan Titchmarsh opens new Ilkley fountain
Stalwart of the Ilkley community, Pam Clarke, passes away
Entries are now open for the 32nd Ilkley Triathlon
International entertainment stars shine in Ilkley for one night only
Airedale Hospital and Community Charity to throw grand ball for 30th birthday
Earth Weekend at St. John's Ben Rhydding
Ilkley Town Council to host VE Day 80 celebrations
Tag tournament raises £7k for Yorkshire families
Double-award success for Wharfedale woman
Countdown to extra special Ilkley Carnival begins!
Wharfedale Scout District annual St George's Day Parade
Bolton Abbey to launch Family Cycle Zone this May
Police carry out speed checks after reports of 'vehicles going 80mph'
Judith Cain’s exhibition of paintings comes to Ilkley Manor House
Steve Coogan, Jo Brand and Prue Leith all contribute to Bookmark Project
Shaunna's taking on two Himalayas feats for Macmillan
Bradford 2025 volunteer induction session in Ilkley
