The final flurry of rehearsals are underway at Ilkley Playhouse for the autumn season opener, The 39 Steps, which runs from Monday at 7.30pm until Saturday September 20.

Jay Cundell-Walker directs a busy cast of four (Robson Stroud, Beth Welch, Dermot Hill and James Fellows) who between them play 150 parts in Patrick Barlow’s spoof thriller. A man with a boring life meets a woman who says she is a spy. When he takes her home she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization is hot on his tail. The re-written version has run continuously since 2005 on Broadway and the West End and has also toured the world. We are delighted to bring it to Ilkley and tickets are selling fast for what promises to be an action packed evening.

For The 39 Steps we are re-introducing the matinee to our schedule due to popular demand. For future Wharfeside productions the first Saturday will be a matinee at 2.30pm and will replace the evening performance on that day. A trial run last season proved very successful so book early if you want to see the matinee on Saturday September 13, tickets £10 and concessions, £8.

On Sunday September 14 at 7.30pm the latest show by historical musicians, Blast from the Past, entitled ‘Smile! Smile! Smile!’ will be performed in the Wharfeside. Especially created to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, Chris Green and Sophie Matthews use music and song to tell the story of “The War to End All Wars”. ‘Smile! Smile! Smile!’ is a scintillating mixture of soldiers’ songs, music hall numbers, war poems set to new music and original compositions.

The show does not flinch from conveying the full horror of the first global conflict but also celebrates the courage and humour of the Tommie’s under fire and the folks at home.

Featuring a host of sing-along wartime standards such as ‘Pack Up Your Troubles’, ‘Tipperary’ and ‘Goodbye-ee’ as well as a host of other great songs – ‘Smile! Smile! Smile!’ is the perfect way of remembering the sacrifice of our forebears while enjoying a great evening out!

‘Smile! Smile! Smile!’ Sunday September 14 at 7.30pm in the Wharfeside theatre, tickets £10.

Something to look forward to – internationally- renowned Cantabile, The London Quartet, are returning to Ilkley Playhouse. Following on from last year’s successful show we are delighted to be included on their 2014-15 World Tour schedule. We know they will once again prove very popular, so book early. Cantabile promise an evening of humour and harmony A Cappella style! Saturday September 27 at 7.30pm, tickets £15.

Finally, a reminder, Greenroom Drama classes with Andrew Leggott and Nikki Mason re-commence on Saturday at 9.30am for Juniors and 10.45am for Seniors (adults noon to 1pm). If you weren’t able to register for the new season on Tuesday evening, don’t worry, this can be done at the first class this weekend.

To book tickets for any Ilkley Playhouse event visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or call the box office on 01943 609539