HERE at Ilkley Playhouse we do like to throw ourselves into things, get into character if you will, and Christmas is no exception. We are so dedicated to creating some Christmas Magic and sharing the festive spirit that we have filled our Playhouse stocking to the brim with entertaining goodies.

Be one of the lucky last few to get the remaining tickets for our festive production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Narnia welcomes everyone at the Ilkley Playhouse with a Relaxed Performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at 2.30pm on Saturday, December 17. This will be a specially adapted performance and a relaxed attitude to movement in the theatre. The lights will be a little brighter and the music a little quieter to welcome everyone that may usually shy away from public performances – and their families. More details can be found on our website.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe run until December 17. It’s a wonderful experience to share with family or friends, and if you’ve resisted the Christmas spirit thus far it will banish the Bah Humbugs away!

Elsewhere, our Playhouse Elves have been busy making mince pies for our annual Christmas Coffee morning. Drop into the Playhouse on Saturday, December 10 for a festive welcome, a spot of entertainment, refreshments and gift stalls. There will be a raffle, games for all the family, and stalls selling gifts perfect for Christmas. A highlight will be performances by members of our junior, senior and adult Greenroom classes. Refreshments will be available and of course the obligatory mince pie – don’t mind if I do. Doors open from 10am to 12.30pm to welcome you with plenty of Christmas cheer.

If you’re looking for a festive Ho Ho Ho on Saturday night, then join us for the next Stagefright Comedy Night. Veteran of several critically-acclaimed Edinburgh Festival Shows, Rob Rouse will lift your spirits with his hyperactive energy and lively routine. He will be joined by the cynical and funny Sean Moran. The line-up is completed by Luke Wright and Hannah Platt. Comedy for everyone, or, one might say, something to jingle everyone’s bells. The relaxed atmosphere makes for a perfect night out with friends, or even colleagues, if you’re looking for a less conventional work Christmas do.

Or are you in the mood for a diverting action-comedy film? Join us on Sunday, December 11 for an afternoon showing of the acclaimed Colin Firth film, Kingsman. Our famous Flea Pit Cinema will be showing this tale of unconventional spy recruitment, which also stars Samuel L Jackson, Michael Caine and Mark Strong. It’s a perfect afternoon’s entertainment with an interval of tea and cake..... perhaps even a mince pie or two!

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will run from December 7 to 17; Christmas Coffee morning 10am -12.30pm on December 10; Stagefright Comedy Club 8pm on December 10; Kingsman Flea Pit Cinema 2pm on December 11.

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 Claire Emmott