“AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH” is a common refrain around Ilkley Playhouse these August evenings. No, we don’t have a ghost (well, there are stories, but nothing proven...). No, we are not collectively watching the Olympics, and no we haven’t been asked to transfer one of our productions to a West End stage, not yet anyway.

No, it’s just our superb cast for And Then There Were None exercising their vocal chords with a good scream in preparation for the grisly twists and turns in Ilkley Playhouse’s production of one of Agatha Christie’s finest tales.

A group of strangers invited by a mysterious host assemble on a remote island, setting the scene for a tight, tense drama. Audiences will gasp in horror and laugh as dark humour delights them from unexpected directions. Even in the early stages of rehearsal, And Then There Were None is deadly dramatic and horrifically funny. The play is, ahem, “executed” by the directorial hand of our Artistic Director David Kirk, although he seems delighted with the actors thus far...

Audiences will be transported to a beautiful period setting in a 1930s mansion. The stylised and elegant set is full of surprises, at times almost becomes another character on the island, looking on impassively as the human characters disappear in shocking circumstances. Our wardrobe department is putting together stylish outfits, our props department are testing objects for their potential as murder weapons – we hope not too thoroughly this time – and we’re all waiting to welcome you to the new season at Ilkley Playhouse.

Even if you know the story – from the book, or perhaps from last Christmas’s BBC adaptation – there is enough to keep you guessing, thinking, and thoroughly entertained!

Tickets to this remote island are already selling fast, so don’t delay in booking yours. And Then There Were None opens on September 14 and runs until the 24th, with a matinee performance on the 17th.

Would your summer benefit from a relaxing musical soundtrack? If you have a moment and access to Youtube, look up Simon Mayor and Hilary James and admire their intricate playing, beautiful melodies and lyrical imagery. Their playlist is varied, ranging from folk and blues to Berlioz, classical mandolin and swing, not forgetting their own comic songs.

Their music is visual: both in its lyrical content and in the fascinating sight of Mayor and James’ virtuoso playing. Their talent is something to experience first-hand, and you can do just that at The Wharfeside theatre on August 20 for the duo’s show Tears of Laughter. Tickets are available now.

Before the launch of our new season some intriguing new writing comes to The Wildman Studio from crime writer Bernie Crosthwaite. Bernie is bringing her first full-length play, All We Know of Heaven, to the Playhouse for three nights, from the 1st to the 3rd of September.

Director Len Taylor takes the audience on a journey of emotional tension in this dramatic tale. We are fortunate to bring this premier to Ilkley, and proud to once again host new writing. Fans of Bernie Crosthwaite’s short stories, plays and radio work will be excited to see her latest work. Audiences should be aware that this production has adult themes.

Finally, for one night only we present Spine, a one-woman comedy drama charting the explosive friendship between a ferocious, wise-cracking teenager and an elderly East End widow. Spine is on September 8 at 7.30pm. This production contains adult themes.

Tickets can be bought online at www.Ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or phone the Box Office on 01943 609539.You can also follow Ilkley Playhouse on Facebook and Twitter for some tantalising rehearsal pics and some juicy backstage gossip.