BLOOD curdling screams and gasps of horror have echoed through the corridors of Ilkley Playhouse this week. Each evening, the tension is palpable as the lights dim in the Wharfeside Theatre and audiences prepare themselves for a spine-tingling evening of mystery and murder. Director David Kirk’s unique interpretation of Christie’s famous tale And Then There Were None has proved a huge hit with Playhouse audiences. Whilst the story may be one most are familiar with, Kirk has adopted a unique approach - introducing perfectly timed elements of humour in juxtaposition to the darkness of the characters and macabre plot. The success of a play is often evident in the liveliness of the discussion during the interval and post-show. This week, the atmosphere has been electric and our audiences have left us buzzing with energy. And clearly the Ilkley grapevine has been hard at work, as ever since our opening Gala Night last Tuesday, tickets have been snapped up at a rate of knots. You had better move fast if you don’t want to miss this exhilarating theatrical experience.

And Then There Were None runs until Saturday,September 24. To book your tickets, call The Ilkley Playhouse Box Office on 01943 609539 or visit our website www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk.

You can also follow Ilkley Playhouse on Facebook and Twitter for some tantalising rehearsal pics and some juicy backstage gossip.

We are proud to host many Ilkley Literature Festival events at the Playhouse and this year, are delighted to be involved in a performance of The Hollow Crown – The Falls and Foibles of the Kings and Queens of England, devised by John Barton. This much celebrated RSC compilation of words and music explores the monarchy from King Arthur to Queen Victoria, in the words of the rulers themselves and their contemporaries. Pieces include a letter from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn and an extract from Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur alongside work from Shakespeare and Jane Austen. The evening will be performed as a Concert Reading by some of the Playhouse’s most experienced actors including Andrew Leggott, who is also directing and Lucy Campbell, an ex RSC member. Contemporary musicians and singers, led by Paul Woodhouse will complete an atmospheric event, steeped in history and rich in the beauty of language and melody.

The Hollow Crown will be performed at The Wharfeside Theatre on Saturday, October 1 at 8pm to 9.15pm. Tickets from the Ilkley Literature Festival Box Office by calling 01943 816714 or online at www. Ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk.

by Vani Midgley