MUSICIANS, Mad Hatters and…a talking Lion – it’s the most magical time of the year at Ilkley Playhouse.

Christmas.

Whist we haven’t yet cracked open the Advent Calendars, the unofficial countdown has definitely begun. And there’s something rather delicious about the build up to Christmas. Lights twinkle, everything seems to be sprinkled with a little fairy dust; there’s a little bit of magic in the air.

Make the next few weeks even more special with a visit to Ilkley Playhouse. Our Christmas programme has a little festive sparkle for everyone – young and old alike.

If you are quick, you’ll be able to catch visiting theatre company Clap Trap Productions, performing a pair of riveting one-act plays – Impact - on Friday, November 18. Beautiful story-telling and compelling acting create intimate and captivating theatre that sets the scene for a very special Christmas season ahead.

Next, a foot-tapping, soul-enriching evening of brilliant live music with the Northern Showtime Orchestra on Saturday, November 19. This is the very first time this group of eight exceptionally talented musicians have visited Ilkley. Their show, The Great American Songbook, celebrates the greatest songs and artists from the 1930s to the 1970s, paying tribute to George and Ira Gershwin and Cole Porter amongst others. You will leave with a spring in your step and a smile on your face. Pure musical magic!

As we move into December, prepare to be enchanted. For two afternoons only, the Junior Greenroom presents Alice – a one-act adaptation of the famous novel by Lewis Carroll. Our youngest stars certainly know how to pull in a crowd – last year’s production was a sell-out weeks in advance. Book early to avoid disappointment!

And finally, our Christmas Spectacular...

We are beyond excited to bring you the RSC adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Starring young talent from our Senior Greenroom class alongside some Ilkley Playhouse favourites, this will be a show to remember with breath-taking scenery and stunning costumes. A magical tale of four children and a Lion named Aslan, this is what Christmas is all about – in so many different ways. Bring the family and be transported to the magical land of Narnia. What better way to begin your own Christmas story?

Impact will be showing in the Wildman Studio on Friday, November 18 at 7.30pm; The Northern Showtime Orchestra perform on Saturday, November 19 at 7.30pm

Alice shows at 2pm on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will run from December 7 to December 17 with two Saturday matinee performances.

To book tickets for these – or any of our other events – visit our website www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or phone the Box Office on 01943 609539.

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