Ilkley Playhouse

HINDSIGHT is a great thing. It allows us to see serious events of the past with a layer of humour that was missing when we were too close to events. Ilkley Playhouse is looking back into recent history with their latest production, Moira Buffini’s comedy Handbagged.

Two famous handbag-bearers take centre stage: Queen Elizabeth II and her most powerful subject at the time, Margaret Thatcher. On the basis that one believed there was no such thing as society and the other had vowed to serve it, imagined relations between the two are witty and sometimes rather strained.

The cast are having great fun delving into the lives of the two main characters, as well as the most important men in their lives. The fly-on-the-wall style takes you into the rooms where history was made. It’s a mischievous premise that is sure to delight audiences. Handbagged opens on October 31st (interesting timing!) and runs until Saturday, November 9.

Back by popular demand, we are delighted to welcome the Rob Dylan Band (Friday, November 22). Tickets are in high demand for their shows, so book soon to avoid disappointment. The Rob Dylan Band was formed by a group of musicians who share a passion for the songs of Bob Dylan. Their show captures the spirit of his songs in a powerful and dynamic way. They’re sure to create a magical atmosphere and raise the roof of the Wildman Studio.

The very next day, Saturday, November 23, Soul Train will be hitting the Wildman. This Yorkshire-based band are a sought-after authentic soul act, delivering fantastic renditions of timeless Stax and Motown classics by legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Wilson Pickett and many more.

All our events in November are great nights our for groups of friends and colleagues – a great way to have your Christmas night out before the Christmas rush!

We leave November laughing with our next Stagefright comedy night on Saturday, November 30. Justin Moorhouse is back by popular demand – he’s been described by Jimmy Carr as ‘easily my favourite comedian’. Justin has a stack of TV credits, including Phoenix Nights (he’s the lad with the tiger-striped face), Live At The Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Shameless, and somewhat incongruously, Coronation Street. He also had a role in the Ken Loach film Looking For Eric.

Justin will be joined by Jack Carroll, recently seen in Britain’s Got Talent – The Champions, Jack has also appeared on Live At The Apollo, Sunday Night At The Palladium and It’s Been A Funny Old Week. Described by David Walliams as a comedy genius, he was awarded a Pride of Britain Award in 2012 in the “Teenager of Courage” category.

The line up will include full support, the bar will be open for business and the atmosphere is sure to be relaxed and welcoming!

Visit our website for tickets or more information about all our events, productions and courses: it’s at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk.

Claire Emmott