TO GET Ilkley shoppers in the mood for their production of A Christmas Carol, and to spread a little musical joy, Playhouse members will be filling the air with yuletide songs at the Bandstand on the Grove between 11am and 12pm this Saturday. Do join in to share in the festive spirit and have a glimpse of what’s in store from our latest production.

This also means that the Christmas Carol cast will be in good voice for opening night on Wednesday, December 5. Dickens’ classic, as adapted by Peter Leech, is sprinkled with traditional carols and packed as full as a Christmas pudding with joy, drama, humour and the spirit of giving. Damien O’Keeffe – cast very much against type! – is revelling in his role as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, while the cast of all ages are having a great time retelling this well-loved story with joy and affection.

In the spirit of inclusion, members are delighted to host a relaxed matinée performance of A Christmas Carol on Saturday, December 15, at 2.30pm. Relaxed performances see shows slightly adapted and the atmosphere in the theatre more relaxed – so they’re perfect for anyone who would welcome a freer atmosphere, such as young families or people with autism or dementia. Adaptations include sound turned down a little to avoid shocks, while the theatre lights remain turned up; along with a relaxed attitude to noise and movement – voluntary and involuntary – in the auditorium.

More information can be found on the website at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk with the information about A Christmas Carol.

A Christmas Carol runs from December 5 to December 15. Tickets are being ‘spirited’ away, so don’t delay!

To continue the Christmas festivities, the Playhouse have its annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 15. Doors open at 9am and there will be mince pies, warming drinks, the opportunity to mingle with friends old and new, browse our Christmas stalls and win a wonderful raffle prize!

A highlight of the Fair is the Greenroom performances: everyone is invited up to the Wharfeside to see the talented student groups, who perform for approximately 30 minutes each.

The first starts at 10am and comprises devised and rehearsed sketches on a seasonal theme from our Junior Greenroom members, aged eight to 11. The Senior Greenroom performance commences at 11.15am and is as before but from the minds and talents of our members aged 12 to 18. Finally, at 12.30pm the Adult Greenroom Players take to the stage with a dramatic extract. Do join them for some festive cheer and support the young actors.

If you would like to bring a stall, help serve refreshments, sell raffle tickets or assist on our bookstall, please contact the office on 01943 609539 or email info@ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk.

Tickets for A Christmas Carol can be bought online at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or by calling 01943 609539 during box office opening times.