Our theatrical offerings for 2013 have already kicked off in great style with the opening of Play It Again Sam, by Woody Allen – the play that led to one of his most popular and funny movies.

Starring Bruce Sturrock as Allen Felix, a film critic with relationship issues, the plot hilariously navigates around encounters with Allen’s ex-wife, a series of women with whom he has blind dates, and his best friends, a married couple (Linda and Dick, played by Kay Lovell and Robson Stroud), complicated by the fact that Allen has a crush on Linda.

To make matters worse, Allen’s imagination is haunted by Humphrey Bogart, particularly by the character he plays in the iconic movie Casablanca.

It’s a comedy and so there is a happy ending lurking around the corner somewhere. The show is directed by Steve Mason (assisted by Hannah Williams) and continues until Saturday, January 26.

Our next play (in the Wildman Studio) is Federico Lorca’s compelling drama, translated by the poet Ted Hughes, Blood Wedding, a play that is both poetic and symbolic.

It concerns the all-consuming love between a woman who is forced to marry the wrong man, and a man who, for family and financial reasons, has previously been forced to marry the wrong woman.

Her wedding bells still echoing, the bride absconds with her former lover to be greeted by the moon, the forest and the spectre of death.

A long-standing family feud sharpens the intimate, blood-seeking knife. The fates will surely have their deadly way – no other conclusion is possible.

Directed by Andrew Leggott, who also directed The House of Bernarda Alba in 2010, the show stars Andy Price, Laura Romanowski and Jenny Button along with a host of others – more details in coming weeks.

There are a range of events at the Playhouse during the early part of 2013; details are on the website.

Some of these include an afternoon of stand-up comedy for kids, Encore Theatre’s production of Rasputin’s Mother, the March visit of Stagefright Comedy Club (following the resounding success of last week’s event), an evening of baroque music, a remarkable and acclaimed show called Journey to the Fifth Province with actor Dónal Cox and Celtic harper Steph West, and the much welcome return of Claptrap theatre with their intriguing courtroom drama The Rape Queen.

The social committee is presenting the next in its series of Fleapit Cinema movies this Sunday, featuring Frank Sinatra in the musical comedy High Society.

The film starts at 2pm, with an intermission for the now famous tea and cakes included in the ticket price for only £3.50.

On Saturday, February 23, there will be a Call My Bluff wine tasting evening with cheese, pate and French bread all for £10.

And on Saturday, March 23, there is a treat in store with the visit of renowned pianist Michael Lunts, who presents Tickling the Ivories, a celebration of 100 years of the comic song – with a buffet supper also on offer.

To book Playhouse events, call (01943) 609539 from 9.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday.

For further information, visit our website at ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk.