Bleak Expectations is in its second week in the Wharfeside Theatre and is receiving rave reviews. Caroline Mutton takes a look this play and forthcoming events at Ilkley Playhouse.
Tickets are selling out fast and it’s no surprise; this is a glorious, riotous, eccentric comedy set in Dickensian society with characters based on some of Dickens' most-loved novels. Follow half-orphan Pip's extraordinary exploits with sisters Pippa and Poppy and best friend Harry Biscuit, as they attempt to escape the calculating clutches of the dastardly Mr Gently Benevolent, defeat the hideous Hardthrasher siblings, and deflect disaster at every turn! Will evil be vanquished by virtue? Can love triumph over hate? Fast paced and wildly funny, Bleak Expectations is based on Mark Evans’ popular Radio 4 series. Ilkley Playhouse audiences have commented: “what a great show! We had so much fun and laughed all the way through” and “ I wasn’t sure what to expect but wasn’t disappointed by the parody bordering on farce which kept me quietly giggling throughout. The cast did it absolute justice”. This is the perfect play to get in the festive spirit so don’t miss out! The play runs until Saturday 14th December.
On 11th and 12th January come and enjoy our audience-friendly adaptation of the much-loved story of Aladdin. Junior Greenroom students aged eight to twelve will enter the treasure cave, rub the magic lamp, awake the powerful Genie, mount the flying carpet, battle the evil magician and win the heart of the beautiful Princess.
The Trials, by Dawn King, opens in the Wharfeside Theatre on 16th January. In a future when air has become unbreathable, three adult Defendants fight to clear their names. Called to account as the generation responsible for the crisis that’s unfolding, they are being judged by a Jury of twelve teenagers – those paying the price for the actions of their elders. With their own futures hanging in the balance, are they seeking justice or revenge? 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. The play runs until 25th January.
Step inside the fabulous music of the 1960s on Friday 31st January where we celebrate some of the best icons of the decade. Shout Out to the 60s is a toe-tapping, head-shakin’ celebration of the greatest idols of the 1960s – Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Cilla Black, Petula Clark, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, The Supremes and everyone in between! Listen to the unforgettable voices and harmonies of former West End singer Sandy Smith, along with the talented vocals of Sophie Mairi.
On Saturday 1st February Fire and Rain return to Ilkley Playhouse where once again audiences will be entertained by six of the best musicians from the North of England who come together to play music they love. Expect the classic James Taylor songs including Steamroller Blues, Shower the People, Fire and Rain and many more.
The award-winning Jon Palmer Acoustic Band make a welcome return to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday 7th February following their previous sell-out performances. They are a high energy six-piece folk/rock band based in West Yorkshire, where they have built a strong reputation. The band’s latest album Vacca Wall has top producer David Crickmore at the helm, and contains a musically and lyrically varied mix of twelve great songs. The album has received outstanding reviews from the music press.
Our next Stagefright Comedy Club takes place on Saturday 8th February. The event is frontlined by comedian Tony Law, acclaimed Canadian surrealist from Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock The Week and Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Three-time Chortle winner and Edinburgh Festival Award winner, he has been described as ‘taking post-modern stand-up to a dangerously funny new level.’ (The Guardian). Joining him is Howard Walker, who has oodles of warmth, dry wit and a disarming demeanour. He is a Best New Yorkshire Act award winner and Hilarity Bites award runner up. Mel Judson is also performing, described as ‘surprising, funny and just delightful’ (Daliso Chaponda). UK Pun Championship winner 2018 and London Evening Standard’s Critic’s Choice winner Rob Mann will also take to the stage. Jack Wilson, who has been described as ‘just brilliant’ by Micky P Kerr from Britain’s Got Talent, will complete the evening’s entertainment. The event will be brilliantly compered by Anthony J Brown.
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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