Dawn King’s gripping play, The Trials, opens at Ilkley Playhouse on Thursday 18th January.
In the not-too-distant future, where the air has become unbreathable and temperatures soar, twelve young people are gathered to hold their parents’ generation to account for the unfolding crisis. Will they deliver justice or exact revenge?
First produced at the Donmar London in 2022, is partly a thought experiment, a ‘what if?’ but what makes it so chilling is that the play paints a picture of a dystopian future that feels very close. Three adult defendants give evidence to the young jury who must then deliberate on their guilt or innocence. The penalties are severe.
This thrilling story of responsibility and climate crisis gives a voice to the young people who have no choice but to live with its consequences.
Director Damien O’Keeffe says of the play:
“Working with this cast of talented young actors has been a great pleasure. It has provided a valuable opportunity for them to voice their thoughts on the current state of the world. The issues in this play are very real and present to them. This production gives them a chance to explore ideas and possible solutions as well as express their hopes and fears.”
The play contains occasional strong language and has a recommended age of 12 plus.
The Trials runs until 25th January and tickets are available via ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk

Elton John tribute night raises £1k for mental health and cardiac care charities
Ticket Office says business as usual despite company reports
Ilkley MP meets Marie Curie nurses at Westminster
Burley Oaks Primary can keep its amphitheatre
Ghyll Royd School to launch the 1889 Foundation!
Join Acapella Fellas, Ilkley's all-male choir
Ben Rhydding Sports Club seeks £300k for car park renovation
Ilkley Banking Hub opens in permanent home
Guests encouraged to go all out at annual Pink Pony Club
Local attractions to close as Met Office issues yellow weather warning for wind
Musician ‘Arborist’ live at The Ilkley Moor Vaults
Ilkley businesses suffer as representative protest against new parking charges
Fundraising launched for Lizzie after devastating diagnoses
Ilkley MP reveals which Town of Culture bid he is backing
New Ilkley based production company presents Bindweed
Airedale Hospital introduces new service for prostate cancer
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of BBC's Gladiators
Lexus Ilkley Open x Beyond The Baseline 2026
Village panto raises over £3,000 for good causes
Have a cracking time at Nell Bank this Easter


