We take a look at what's on now and coming soon to Ilkley Playhouse.
Lucy Kirkwood's play The Human Body is in its second week in the Wharfeside Theatre and runs until Saturday 21st March. It’s the winter of 1948. The weather is freezing and austerity is biting as GP Iris Elcock works hard to help implement Nye Bevan’s National Health Service Act and its revolutionary promise to provide free healthcare for all. In addition to her work as a doctor, Iris is also a committed socialist and Labour Party councillor, a mother and wife to fellow GP Julian, an ex-Navy medical officer scarred by the war. Then a chance encounter with George Blythe, a local boy who has made it as an actor in Hollywood, turns Iris’s quiet, ordered world upside down. Lucy Kirkwood’s compelling play is a love story wrapped within a powerful historical drama exploring private and political passions.
This month Stagefright Comedy Club returns to the Wildman Studio. Midlands Comedy Award Winner Ricky Balshaw will frontline this event on Saturday 28th March. He has been described as ‘a fascinating fusion of witty observations and storytelling’ (The Times). Joining him is Slim, who has appeared on Live at the Apollo, Live at the Hackney Empire, Sorry I Didn’t Know, Mel Giedroyc: Unforgiveable, Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains and The Russell Howard Hour. He is described as ‘brave and profoundly funny’ (The Guardian). BBC New Comedy Award Finalist 2025 Shugufta Choudhry also performs. She has ‘charming insights with a dash of darkness’ (SFC). Jack Miller completes the evening, who is ‘absolutely brilliant, born with funny bones’ (Manfords Comedy Club) and is ‘really relatable with on point story telling’ (Just The Tonic). The evening will be compered by talented Anthony J Brown, who has ‘more stings in the tail than a scorpion with a migraine' (Leeds Guide).
Visiting theatre company Rise and Howl Collective Productions present Martha Loader’s compelling new theatre production Bindweed on 10th and 11th April in the Wildman Studio. Four men convicted of domestic abuse offences meet each week to undergo a perpetrator programme. But as Jen, the new group facilitator, starts to make progress with the men inside the room, life outside begins to buckle. This is a shattering and darkly funny play about responsibility and rehabilitation and questions what can be done to tackle abuse at its root. Told with honesty and moments of unexpected humour, Bindweed has been praised for its deeply human storytelling and its ability to sit with difficult truths. This regional tour brings the play directly to local audiences, championing accessible, high-quality theatre made by artists rooted in the community. Co-Producer Kate Maddison-Greenwell said: “Bindweed is a play that gets under your skin. It speaks to experiences that happen every day, often unnoticed. Bringing this story to local venues feels important, especially at a time when connection and reflection really matter.” Please note that the age guidance for this play is 18 plus. Contains strong adult themes.
Join The After Hours Quintet on Friday 17th April for a scintillating, exhilarating jaunt through the vaults of British Trad Jazz, New Orleans Swing, Gypsy Jazz and Jump Blues. Led by front man Oly Clarkson (on Sax, Clarinet, Harmonica & Saw) the band has thrilled audiences from Dublin to Dubai on their decade-long journey. Seasoned professional Danny Hammerton (Trumpet - Pasadina Roof Orchestra, Glen Miller Orchestra) and Vernon Bigsby (Hot Club of Halifax) are the two latest additions, making for a very impressive lineup alongside John Arnesen and Elliot Roffe (Ancient Infinity Orchestra) on drums and double bass. Expect to hear classics from the American song book blended seamlessly alongside 90's anthems; reimagined in the swing style.
On Saturday 18th April the superb traditional Irish folk band, The Hooliemen make their Ilkley Playhouse debut, made up of four seasoned and highly accomplished musicians who have played together for decades. They bring a lifetime of experience, energy, and artistry to every performance. With up-tempo Irish traditional music at their core, The Hooliemen deliver thrilling jigs and reels, heartfelt ballads, tight vocal harmonies, unaccompanied (a cappella) songs, and the unique flair of sean-nós dance. Their set features beautiful renditions of well-known Irish songs as well as high-energy instrumental sets.
Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating the best of Blues music on Friday 8th May. Three incredible acts will showcase Blues classics as well as original Yorkshire blues by exceptionally talented local artists. This is the second exciting night in partnership between Ilkley Live and Ilkley Playhouse. Enjoy a fantastic evening in support of Ilkley Live, a local charity dedicated to fostering community cohesion and promoting live music in the area.
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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