Ilkley Playhouse

AS you can see from the dress rehearsal photos our current production, Steaming, looks like fun! And it really is – both for the audience and for the cast, who have had a wonderful time delving into their characters and bonding as a group of friends both on- and off-stage.

For Nell Dunn’s story of a group of women frequenting a Turkish steam bath in the late 70s East End, group chemistry is key. In our production, their relationships and chemistry are perfect for a story that centres around female friendship and people coming together regardless of diversity of background and of life experience.

Steaming runs from Wednesday, June 5th until Saturday, June 15th, with a matinee performance on Saturday 8th.

Later in June comes laughter for a younger audience with an afternoon with Mambo Jambo on Sunday 16th of June. The Wildman Studio will be full of laughter, music and excited three- to seven-year-olds, as they watch and join in with Mambo Jambo’s nonsense show. It’s an entertaining (and educational!) experience: Mambo Jambo (aka Pete and Frankie) use a range of instruments and props to create songs, music, and highly entertaining nonsense!

The audience are invited to join in, singing along with choruses, rapping, and generally just sharing in songs and silliness, exploring the Octopus’ Garden, and making a Nonsense Stew. Please note that children must remain accompanied for this event.

Even more laughter follows on Saturday 22nd of with our next Stagefright Comedy Night. It’s headlined by Paul Sinha, previewing his Edinburgh Festival set – you may know Paul as The Sinhaman from ITV1’s quiz The Chase, or from his Radio 4 series Paul Sinha’s History Revision. Paul has previously been nominated for Best Show at the Edinburgh Festival, so this special preview is a Stagefright night not to miss! Paul will be joined by Harriet Dyer and full support.

Tickets all Ilkley Playhouse productions can be bought at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or, during box office hours, on 01943 609539.

by Claire Emmott