FEELING a little down in the mouth as the nights draw in? Come and see us at Ilkley Playhouse for a warm welcome, some proper belly laughs and that guaranteed mood enhancer…a spot of shopping!

Stagefright Comedy Club returns on October 22. Headlining is Barbara Nice, 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. Barbara has her own Radio 2 show, as well as being a cult favourite on the comedy circuit. Known to encourage even the most cynical of audiences to participate in her audacious stunts and cheeky exploits, this lady is a pocket rocket, sure to surprise and delight.

Sharing the stage with Barbara is Masai Graham, a master of snappy single-liners and a YouTube legend. With phenomenal delivery that will leave you reeling at the sheer speed of his wit, Masai is a tour de force not to be missed.

We also have newbie to the circuit, Luke Wright, who is fast building a reputation as someone to keep an eye on and the evening will be compered by popular Stagefright regular Anthony J Brown, a unique, deadpan virtuoso and winner of the Jongleurs/Metro “Stand & Deliver” Comedy Award.

Stagefright will be hosted in the Wildman Studio and the Playhouse Bar will, of course, be open for refreshment. Don’t be shy – join in the fun. You know you want to!

Fancy making a start on the dreaded Christmas shopping? Put Saturday, October 29 in your diary and ease yourself gently into the season of spending with a lovely afternoon browsing our ever popular Vintage Fair. For two Saturdays each year, Burley-in-Wharfedale based company Alfie Robot Retro transforms Ilkley Playhouse into a treasure trove of unique pieces dating from the 20s to the 80s. Our March Fair welcomed over 650 visitors and we hope for even more this time.

Jill Coulson, owner of Alfie Robot Retro and manager of Ilkley Playhouse Wardrobe Hire said: “I have loved seeing the fair grow each time we hold it, with more and more people keen to shop vintage to find something unique. The stallholders love the friendly atmosphere and the keen Ilkley shoppers and this time, I’m lucky to have lots of repeat stalls as well as a few new traders keeping it fresh.”

From chic vintage fashion to unique retro homeware, the 20 stalls offer a veritable smorgasbord of delights to drool over. My Vintage Beau offers quality, hand-selected fashion and accessories dating as far back as the roaring ‘20s, whilst Church Hall China - based near Bolton Abbey, Skipton – promise an array of vintage and antique china, crockery and picnic hampers. Yvonne Robinson from Vintage Rummage Rooms confesses that some of the unusual and beautiful vintage costume jewellery she sources and sells doesn’t make it as far as her stall, as she sometimes just can’t bear to part with it! Other stalls will include books and art – and Scope on the Grove will be bringing some of their best donations to raise funds for this worthwhile charity.

A vintage tearoom will keep shoppers replenished with hot drinks and a selection of delicious cakes and there will also be the opportunity to tour the Ilkley Playhouse costume department, home to over 1,200 items – all available for hire.

Whether you’re a hipster looking for that unique home décor piece that will have your friends muttering with envy under their beards, a glamour puss searching for the perfect fashion accent to turn heads – or simply someone looking for a special, one-off gift for a loved one – this is the place to come.

Stagefright Comedy Club is on Saturday, October 22, with doors opening at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. To book tickets for this – or any of our other events – visit our website www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or phone the Box Office on 01943 609539.

The Vintage Fair will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 29. Entry is £1, with under 16s free. Pay on the door.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest Ilkley Playhouse news and some backstage gossip!

by Vani Midgley