NOW that we are a full week into September, there is no denying that autumn is slowly beginning to make her presence felt. The early mornings feel a little chillier than they did, the evenings a little dimmer. Our summer tans are beginning to fade – as are our spirits – and we could all do with a little bit of autumnal cheer.

Look no further than Weston Road. At Ilkley Playhouse we have just what the doctor ordered.

Opening on September 14 , our season kicks off with the spine tingling And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. A clever mix of thrilling suspense and dark humour, this is a show that will have you on the edge of your seat one moment and laughing out loud the next. Rehearsals have been underway throughout the summer and our actors have perfected their portrayals of the ten doomed miscreants of this well-known tale. Meanwhile, our talented set-builders have outdone themselves, creating a true masterpiece that captures the 1930s style perfectly. This is a show that will transport you away from the everyday in the manner that only quality drama can. You may arrive at the theatre Autumn drizzle-damp, wind-swept and a little down in the mouth – but you will certainly leave brimming with energy and – unlike the ill-fated characters of the show - feeling very much alive!

Laughter really is the best medicine. Experiments by evolutionary psychologists prove that the physical act of laughing triggers an increase in the feel-good chemicals, endorphins, in our bodies. Regulars to our our Stagefright Comedy Club can testify that this is definitely the case. The Stagefright line up on October 22 features some exceptionally talented comics. Barbara Nice is the malapropism-spouting Stockport Housewife creation of Janice Connolly, star of That Peter Kay Thing, Phoenix Nights, Coronation Street and Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere. This hugely likeable character is fast becoming a cult favourite with her uplifting energy drawing in even the most cynical of audiences and cajoling them to take part in audacious, hare brained stunts. Sharing the stage with Barbara is Masai Graham, the master of snappy single-liners - who has been known to deliver over 100 jokes in a half hour set. He has just won the award for the funniest one-liner at the Edinburgh Fringe. To date, we also have the zany wit of Tom King, the fresh talent of Luke Wright and the notorious Jay Islaam - guaranteeing an endorphin-pumping, laughter-filled night that will leave you feeling not just good – but great.

On Saturday, September 18, the Wharfeside Theatre once again transforms into our much loved Flea Pit Cinema, showing Franco Zeffirelli’s semi-autobiographical Tea With Mussolini. This beautifully crafted film, set in pre-WWII Fascist Italy, features heart-warming performances from Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith and Lady Joan Plowright and is sure to nourish the soul.

Finally, if you need a more immediate autumnal boost and are free this evening, why not come to see the award-winning play Spine by Clara Brennan, performed again by popular demand for one night only. Charting the explosive friendship between a wise-cracking teenager and an elderly East End widow, this one-woman comedy drama - with adult themes – is well worth venturing away from your sofa for. The show starts at 7.30pm tonight and will certainly add a little spice to your autumn evening!

To buy tickets for any of our events, visit our website 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.

by Vani Midgley