AT THE time of writing there are just a handful of tickets left for our funny, uplifting and very local musical Betty Blue Eyes. The 30-strong cast (plus band!) are raising the Playhouse roof with fantastic music, superb singing, brilliant acting and lots of laughter. There may be still time to book the last few seats!

Although Betty was our final main production of the 2015-16 season, we are still busy through the summer before our new season launches in September.

Stagefright Comedy Club will be held in The Wharfeside Theatre on July 23 at 8pm. Billed as a Triple Header Special with big names and big laughs in store, it will feature Ivan Brackenbury, from BBC1’s acclaimed Hospital People, along with Tom Binns, the writer of same. Tom visited Ilkley Playhouse three years ago with his characters and was a big hit with our audience. Joining them is Ian D Montfort, a comic spirit medium who will be previewing material from his forthcoming Edinburgh show How To Touch Dead People. The evening will be compered once again by Anthony J Brown.

It’s a laid-back evening with intervals for drinks and chat. There’s also a competition for free tickets to future events; in keeping with the informal theme, seating is unreserved, cabaret-style. It’s a great night out and it’s bringing top quality Edinburgh Festival to Ilkley!

With the launch of the new season in September comes the start up again of our Green Room classes. These are a series of hour-long Saturday morning introductory drama training sessions for different age groups – from eight to adult. Juniors (ages 8 to 13) runs from 9.30am, while the senior class (13+) from 10.45am.

Classes usually have between 20 and 30, and feature games and warm-up exercises followed by the preparation of improvised or occasionally scripted drama scenes. Other topics might include stage fighting, mask work or clowning – it’s all about learning by doing. Students often find the sessions confidence building as well as great fun.

The sessions culminate with a full production.

There’s also a Green Room for adults. This features a smaller group – perhaps ten or so – and covers various skills, from warm-ups and vocal skills to improvisation, body language and even acting theory. The adult Green Room sessions runs on Saturdays between 12pm and 1pm, from September 10t to December 17.

If you are interested in taking part in Green Room contact Andrew Leggott on 01943 602014.

Green Room ‘graduates’ often go on to appear in main stage productions at the Playhouse, which brings us neatly to the upcoming Wildman Studio double bill on July 28 to 30. This is a Fringe event, meaning simple, stripped-back theatre with a focus on actors, dialogue and action. Tickets are £6.

Opening the bill is Ghost Town, written by Jessica Fisher and directed by Andrew Leggott. A lively play with touches of comedy, this addresses the issue of mental health problems among the young, drawing on the author’s own experiences. The recipient of a Nick Darke award for writing – celebrating the best of stage, screen and radio writing – this will be one of the play’s first productions and will feature no fewer than three recent Green Room participants.

Completing the bill is Hannah & Hanna, directed by Steve Mason. A thoughtful reflection on immigration, this Kent-set play tells the tale of two girls brought together by a shared love of karaoke.

If you are interested in new writing, contemporary themes, studio theatre and supporting young actors then come along for what promises to be a thoughtful, intimate and talented double bill. It’s perfect for aspiring actors, and anyone – young or old – with an interest in theatre.

To book your ticket for Betty Blue Eyes, Stagefright Comedy Club or any of our events, visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or call 01943 609539.

by Claire Emmott