THIS Tuesday saw the opening night of David Hare’s highly acclaimed play Breath of Life at the Ilkley Playhouse.

It’s a short run – it ends on Saturday 13th – and tickets are selling fast. So get in touch to book your seat for this intimate, intelligent exploration of the relationship between two women, drawn together after 25 years.

Our two leading ladies follow in the footsteps of Dames Judy Dench and Maggie Smith to bring this riveting, tense and witty drama to life. Under the direction of Miranda Armitage we come to understand their connection as they wrestle with the shadow of each other’s past over their future.

David Hare is one of Britain’s leading contemporary playwrights, a multiple award-winner and renowned for his screen adaptations of The Hours, The Corrections and The Reader. He can also write dialogue that sizzles with wit, as Breath of Life attests.

After the drama of Breath of Life, Ilkley Playhouse is pleased to welcome once again the Ilkley Film Festival. Now in its third year, the festival runs from February 17 to 21. You can view a full programme and buy tickets at www.ilkleyfilmfestival.co.uk

Finally, there are a few remaining tickets for our very popular Stagefright Comedy night on Saturday, February 27. Featuring this year is award-winning Canadian comic Bobby Mair, who you might know from the small screen where he’s appeared on 8 out of 10 Cats, Russell Howard’s Good News, and Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Joining him will be Andrew Watts, an Edinburgh Festival regular with a brainbox style, fast-paced Pesha Lily, and Rotherham lad Nathan Hudson.

To book your ticket for any of these events, visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or call 01943 609539. You can follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest news, reviews, pictures and backstage gossip!