THERE are literary quotes for all occasions. The one that sums up the next few weeks at Ilkley Playhouse is “Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.” And poet William Cowper is right.

We start with some deep flavour in the form of Journey’s End, which has opened at the Playhouse this week. R C Sherriff’s World War One drama is set in the trenches in France. The action takes place in an officers’ dugout in the British trenches over four days in the run-up to a German offensive. The men share stories of home, endure endless waiting and prepare for battle. There is warmth, humour and plenty to think about in this poignant production.

Journey’s End was Sherriff’s seventh play. Written in 1928, it was based on his experiences as an officer in the Great War. Initially it was given a single Sunday performance on December 9 1929 at the Apollo Theatre, with none other than a 21-year-old Laurence Olivier in the lead role. It was then taken up at the Savoy Theatre, where it ran for two years.

Although best known for this theatre work, readers may see Sherriff’s name at the end of some film classics as the credits roll. He was nominated for an Academy award for his screenplay for Goodbye, Mr Chips, and was nominated for a BAFTA for both The Dam Busters and The Night My Number Came Up.

As you’d expect from an author of this pedigree, Journey’s End is brilliantly written, capturing the very human element of trench warfare. The centenary of the end of World War One is surely an appropriate time for this work to be seen.

Continuing the theme of classic films and plays – and, indeed, of food, and of anniversaries, if that’s not a theme too far – we are jauntily bringing Oliver! to our next Flea Pit Cinema on Sunday, April 22 to mark its golden jubilee.

Consider yourself welcome to enjoy this family classic, and sing along to the wonderful musical numbers: Food, Glorious Food; Consider Yourself; As Long as He Needs Me; You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two and Where is Love?

If these titles don’t get you humming, you must be unfamiliar with Lionel Bart’s musical version of Charles Dickens’ tale. In this case, there’s nothing for it but to come along and meet nine-year-old orphan Oliver, who falls in with a group of street-urchin pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger and masterminded by the criminal Fagin. Each Flea Pit showing includes an interval with time for chat, tea or coffee, and cake, all included in the £5 ticket. (Please note that fleas are not included.)

Next, something piquant to pique your interest and fire up those little grey cells. On Friday, April 20 we welcome Shipley Little Theatre Company to our Wildman Studio with their murder mystery evening, Truth Will Out.

It’s the height of the roaring ‘20s. Meet Lord Robert and Lady Anne Nithsdale, who are hosting a dinner party for family and friends to present their new guest, the mysterious Russian spiritualist Alexsei Vasiliev. After dinner the family cannot wait for the charismatic Russian to call forth the ghosts of the departed. But some in the house hide dark secrets, and when Vasiliev threatens to reveal them, mysticism gives way to murder!

This is an interactive evening of mystery and drama. The audience plays detective and can interrogate the dinner guests. Can you solve the mystery of Alexsei’s murder and root out the other secrets lurking in this stately home? Is Lord Robert as proud and upstanding as he appears? Is the engagement of young Freddie Nithsdale to heiress Amelia Dyer all it’s cracked up to be? And just what is Mr Batt the butler up to? Only you can find out! Suitable for ages 14+.

Finally, something from the sweeter side of life. Come along to the Wildman studio to meet Sylvia between in early May. She’s the eponymous dog in this romantic comedy drama based on the relationships between a man, a woman, and a dog.

Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan from the suburbs after 20 years of raising children. As empty nesters, Greg is disillusioned with his career, whilst Kate’s is starting to take off. As they focus on their own lives again, Greg finds a mongrel who complicates everything. Greg wants to keep her, Kate doesn’t! Sylvia, meanwhile, has her own ideas about making relationships work.

Sylvia is a play about love, instinct and loyalty, as well as a hilarious romp through life’s complexities and vagaries. Suitable for dog lovers and dog haters everywhere!

Tickets for all events and productions can be found at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or by calling 01943 609 539.

- Claire Emmott