FOR those who hunger for theatre that is creative, elegant and witty, come along to the Ilkley Playhouse and feast your eyes on The Misanthrope.

Molière’s classic comedy of manners, performed here in a translation by Tony Harrison, is set in the tense worlds of celebrity chefs and the media.

Director Damien O’Keeffe has concocted a delight of a visually intriguing set, sophisticated yet whimsical costumes, and a stellar Playhouse cast.

The plot weaves around the hypocrisies and false platitudes that feed the world of journalism. The beautiful rhyme of the script adds edge and humour, mimicking the surface beauty of this world of celebrity while sharp knives lurk beneath.

The final course of The Misanthrope is served on Saturday, March 17. Book your place at the table for a fun and thoughtful night out.

Later this month we welcome new writing in our fringe season. Harry, by Caitlin McEwan, was a huge hit at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017. It’s an interesting piece that looks at growing up in a society obsessed with money and celebrity.

The talented cast of two, Lucy Carter and Elizabeth Rudge, play two lively young women who meet in their first year at University and find common ground in a shared adoration of singer, Harry Styles.

Their relationship is shown over six years. There’s a focus on laughter, but the play doesn’t hesitate to explore harsher realities of the girls’ post-university lives. Set to a backdrop of great music, this production is both thoughtful and funny.

The second part of the double bill is Young Souls by Sally Brockway. The author imagines what it would be like if the elderly in an old people’s home were revitalised, and the young support staff aged. It’s a hilarious play which also plays with how we see and experience the notions of age and ageing.

There will be a Q&A session after each performance, with a special guest joining in on Saturday night.

The Misanthrope runs until March 17.

Harry and Young Souls run from March 22 to 24.

To book, please call 01943 609 539 or go to www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk

l Claire Emmott