Opening on Thursday 30th October in the Wharfeside Theatre at Ilkley Playhouse is The Unfriend by Steven Moffat.
The play is a darkly comic and sharply witty exploration of British manners, social obligation and the unintended consequences of politeness.
Peter and Debbie, a seemingly typical middle-class British couple, befriend Elsa, an eccentric American woman, during a holiday. In the spirit of polite conversation, they exchange contact details, expecting never to hear from her again. However, Elsa soon announces that she is coming to visit them in their home, leaving the couple both stunned and unsure of how to respond. What starts as a seemingly innocent visit soon escalates into a chaotic, absurd nightmare. As Peter and Debbie attempt to manage the situation without being rude or confrontational, they realise that Elsa is not quite the harmless tourist they thought she was. Secrets begin to unravel, and the couple’s good-natured politeness only serves to complicate matters further.
The Unfriend offers a biting satire on the constraints of social decorum, the difficulty of saying no and the absurdity that can arise from seemingly innocent decisions. With sharp dialogue, unpredictable twists and a sense of escalating tension, Moffat weaves a story that balances comedy with a subtle critique of modern society’s obsession with manners and politeness at all costs. This play is perfect for fans of dark comedies and those looking for a thought-provoking laugh.
The Unfriend runs from Thursday 30th October until Saturday 8th November.
Also next month at Ilkley Playhouse:
On Friday 14th November join us for an unforgettable night of blues music in support of Ilkley Live, a local charity dedicated to supporting cohesion in the community and promoting live music in the area. Not one, not two but three acts showcasing blues music, covering the greats of the era and originally penned Yorkshire blues by incredibly talented local artists. The night is the first of many in partnership between Ilkley Live and Ilkley Playhouse. Please note this is a seated event. No dancing.
The first Stagefright Comedy Club of the season takes place on Saturday 15th November and will be frontlined by Mitch Benn, described as ‘the country’s leading musical satirist’ (The Times). His TV credits include The One Show as the writer and arranger of The Complaints Choir, Bremner, Bird and Fortune, The Comedy Store, Live at Jongleurs and Celebrity Mastermind amongst others. He is a regular writer and performer on The Now Show for BBC Radio 4 and It's Been a Bad Week for BBC Radio 2. Three series of his successful Radio 4 show, Mitch Benn's Crimes Against Music have been broadcast so far. He also presented The Mitch Benn Music Show on BBC Radio 7. Mitch is one of the most sought-after acts on the comedy circuit for his 'song after song of exquisitely crafted satire' (The Scotsman). Joining him is Elaine Robertson, finalist in the Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award. Last year she also took her debut show Delulu to Edinburgh Fringe where it received widespread critical acclaim and garnered her the Edinburgh Fringe Awards Panel Prize. Also performing is Best New Yorkshire Act nominee 2025 Mick Tickner. 'Witty observations, unique but very relatable. One of the best new acts we've seen in ages' (Bee Funny Comedy). Completing the line-up is Kelly Edgar, described as an 'emerging comic oddball with a talent for outlandish storytelling and a penchant for trouble' (BBC Online). This year she was awarded Felt Nowt New Act of the Year. The evening will be compered by the talented Anthony J Brown.
[On the Stagefright line-up Kelly Edger & Mick Tickner]
Yorkshire Celtic Folk Rock band Gaelforce returns to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday 21st November. Enjoy rocked-up traditional folk songs, self-penned tunes in the traditional style and jigs and reels. In 2023 Gaelforce won, by public vote, on the Introducing Stage at the Great British Folk Festival. Since then, they have been selling out ticketed gigs in Yorkshire and beyond.
To book tickets for Ilkley Playhouse plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact the box office on 01943 609539.
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