DECEMBER has finally arrived and at Ilkley Playhouse we are all geared up for a fantastic Festive Season. We can’t promise you a White Christmas, but we do have a White Rabbit and a White Witch. Oh – and a Mad Hatter, a sleepy Dormouse, centaurs and a talking lion. Will they do?

For two magical afternoons, December 3 and 4, the Wildman Studio will be transformed into Wonderland as our Junior Greenroom presents Alice – a one-act adaptation of the famous novel by Lewis Carroll. This high-energy production is packed full of zany characters, witty one-liners and utterly delicious nonsense. Following their sell-out production last year, our youngest performers have been working hard for weeks to bring you something even more special. An utter treat for both adults and children, get your tickets now before they disappear – as if by magic!

Upstairs in the Wharfeside Theatre, enchanting happenings are afoot. For behind the stage curtains, there is a mysterious Wardrobe. And through the Wardrobe, there is…Narnia.

Our production of C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe opens on Wednesday, December 7. Set in the magical land of Narnia, home to talking woodland creatures, mythical beasts, the evil White Witch and, of course, the heroic lion Aslan, the story follows the adventures of four siblings. Eagle-eyed audience members perusing the programme may spot a number of siblings in the cast too – young stars from the Senior Greenroom who will be performing alongside some of Ilkley Playhouse’s most experienced actors. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe promises to be a truly breath-taking production featuring stunning scenery and beautiful music. Don’t miss out on this magical experience - you will exit the theatre with stars in your eyes and leaving a trail of fairy dust. Suitable for young and old alike, this is a truly enchanting way to start your Christmas.

We want everyone to be able to experience the magic of Narnia. To this end, we are offering a Relaxed Performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at 2.30pm on Saturday, December 17, specially adapted for those that may usually shy away from public performances - and their families. The show and theatre environment will be slightly altered to feel more comfortable, the lights will be on in the auditorium, the music reduced in volume and there will be a relaxed attitude to audience noise and movement in the theatre. We will also have a special “Quiet Zone” for anyone who needs a little space during the performance and some friendly Front of House team members will be on hand to help in whatever way they can. Before the performance, we can also provide a visual story and synopsis for anyone who would prefer to know what to expect.

So, whether you fancy a cuppa at a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party or are tempted by some dangerously delicious Turkish Delight from the White Witch, you know where to come. At Ilkley Playhouse, everyone is invited – and everyone is welcome.

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 17.

If you are interested in our Relaxed Performance of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, please contact us on 01943 609539 so that we can share information on what will be available and answer any questions that you might have.

For all other performances, you can book tickets online at 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!

by Vani Midgley