Ilkley Playhouse

AFTER the noise and excitement of Halloween and bonfire night comes a lull, of sorts, between now and Christmas. Yet it’s that time of year – cold, dark, gloomy – when we need entertainment, excitement, laughter and good company. So here’s an offer: you provide the company, and the Ilkley Playhouse are ready to provide the rest: bringing you lights, music and laughter to warm you into December.

First, we have the popular Rob Dylan Band on Friday, November 22. These brilliant musicians are returning to the Playhouse with their show that captures the very spirit of Bob Dylan, taking you on a journey through the music, poetry and energy of one of the greatest songwriters.

More music follows on Saturday, November 23, when Soul Train will be cranking up the energy with their rousing show. We are fortunate to make a date with this popular Yorkshire band, renowned for their outstanding performances of timeless classics from legendary labels such as Stax and Motown. This will be a great night out for a group of friends and/or colleagues, a perfect pre-Christmas Christmas do! Music lovers won’t want to miss this ride to the music of Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, and many more. Classic songs performed by exceptional musicians and led by two charismatic vocalists who are sure to raise the roof.

If comedy is more your ticket, then come along to out next Stagefright comedy night, which is on Saturday, November 30. It’s a talented line-up, featuring Justin Moorhouse. He’s been described by Jimmy Carr, a man who knows a thing or two about comedy, as ‘easily my favourite comedian’, and has a stack of TV credits including Phoenix Nights, Live At The Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats, among many others. Not to mention a rather incongruous role in Ken Loach’s Looking For Eric, alongside the eponymous Monsieur Cantona. His Radio 4 show ‘Everyone Quite Likes Justin’ was critically acclaimed.

Justin will be joined by Jack Carroll, fresh from Britain’s Got Talent – The Champions.

Finally, if you’re looking for some comedy drama to take you into the weekend, then we have a few more performances of Handbagged, which is running at the Playhouse until November 9. It’s a witty play based around imagined conversations between the Queen and Margaret Thatcher during the latter’s time as PM. Audiences are enjoying the nostalgia as well as the fantastic performances. You may be in time to grab a couple of tickets for this brilliant production.

Our website is full of fantastic upcoming productions and events. Take a look – we proudly adopt a ‘something for everyone’ approach, so there’s plenty to choose from for entertaining, interesting and funny nights out in Ilkley. You can find us at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk.

Claire Emmotte