TWO, which is on at the Playhouse until this Saturday (May 13), has been delighting and moving audiences with its deft and dexterous story telling. Two actors take on the challenge of playing fourteen characters, all of whom frequent a Yorkshire pub over the course of one evening.

Although you only see one room in one building in the town, you see a microcosm of the town – if not the world – pass through the doors

Author Jim Cartwight, whose best-known work is perhaps the play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, wrote Two in 1989, although the human stories at its heart are as real and revealing as ever. The writing is simply brilliant, and the versatility of the tiny cast is incredible. If you want to see it then book fast: only a few nights remain before last orders is called!

More northern grit and humour follows on Thursday, May 18, when the talented and popular Paper Zoo theatre company bring us their production of Keith Waterhouse’s Billy Liar. This newly imagined and updated production brings an evening of fun, imagination, and passion. The tale of the eponymous Billy, an ordinary working-class lad with an extraordinary imagination, it’s a hilarious and sometimes painfully truthful insight into family life. It’s at the Playhouse for one night only!

Finally, on Saturday, May 27 the Playhouse will be, er, graced by the gorgeous voice of Bridlington singer Gracie Falls. A Country singer, perhaps with some folk influences, Gracie made a highly successful Playhouse debut 18 months ago, since when she has won the UK Unsigned Songwriter of the Year award, beating around 1000 other entrants along the way. No less a country connoisseur than Radio 2’s Bob Harris has described her voice as ‘angelic’ and her presence as ‘transfixing’.

This concert will see Gracie performing her own material accompanied on guitar by Alex. She’ll be supported by singer-songwriter Sam Gotley. Find her on Youtube for a taste of what the concert holds. Gracie may not be playing venues as small as the Playhouse for much longer, so see her in an intimate setting while you can!

Two is on until Saturday, May 13; Billy Liar - Thursday, May 18 and Gracie Falls - Saturday, May 27. To book tickets for any of our productions, please visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or phone the Box Office on 01943 609539. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest news and backstage gossip!

by Claire Emmott