Ilkley Playhouse

STAGEFRIGHT comedy clubs at Ilkley Playhouse are providing our audiences with a guaranteed great night of laughter, regardless of whether you know all the names in the line-up.

The comedy night on Saturday 30th November however, features Justin Moorhouse, a name that is very well-known in the comedy world. His comedy, delivered through stories of everyday life such as holidays with the kids, family meetings and living with a teenage daughter and a grown-up son is all very relatable.

A recent review of his performance at The Lowry describes Moorhouse as “a seasoned professional at work. This is a comedian who knows how to get an audience on board and how to deliver a genuinely funny evening of comedy for everyone in the room.”

Justin has had a successful career in television, theatre and radio. He has starred in films such as Looking For Eric and has appeared in Live at the Apollo, 8 out of 10 Cats and Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights. He has become one of the most popular comedians on the comedy circuit as a stand-up performer.

Justin will be joined by Jack Carroll who featured on Britain’s Got Talent in 2013 at the age of just 14 when judge David Walliams hailed him ‘a comedy genius’. Jack has opened for Jason Manford’s tour shows, appeared on Live at the Apollo, Sunday Night at the Palladium and It’s Been A Funny Old Week. Jack is also an established actor, having appeared in the CBBC’s series Ministry of Curious Stuff and starred in Sky’s critically acclaimed Trollied.

Jack, whose cerebral palsy is often the subject of his act, was awarded the Pride of Britain ‘Teenager of Courage’ Award in 2012.

For this reason, he has been described as a comedian “who can say what no one else can.”

Turning our attention to Christmas, if you are looking for a perfect festive family show to get you in the mood, then Alan Bennett’s adaptation of The Wind in the Willows will not disappoint. Twenty years since it was first produced at the National Theatre, this adaptation of the much-loved

Kenneth Grahame children’s book has become a classic in its own right. Alan Bennett’s wry humour reshapes the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad into a witty and whimsical tale that will be appreciated by the young and old.

The play takes you on a delightful journey through charming Edwardian England that is sure to warm your heart despite the recent cold and rain. The play runs from Wednesday 4th December to Saturday 14th December and tickets are selling fast. Don’t be disappointed, get yours soon!

Our annual Christmas Coffee Morning takes place on Saturday 7th December. Doors open at 9.30am and you can browse our Christmas stalls, have a go at the raffle and enjoy a warm drink and a mince pie whilst mingling with friends.

Our junior, senior and adult Greenroom actors will be performing so come along and enjoy the festive cheer.

This week Ilkley Playhouse has opened its doors to Little Cherries Children’s Musical Theatre Club.

The Club is inviting children from ages 4-11 years into Ilkley Playhouse to explore musical theatre and the performing arts in a fun and interactive way.

The classes run on a Monday during term time from 3.45pm to 4.45pm.

The children will be rehearsing for a spectacular staged production at Ilkley Playhouse in June next year. You can visit www.mylittlecherries.com for more information or email mylittlecherries@gmail.com to book your place.

As you can see, we have a lot going on at Ilkley Playhouse.

Plays, fringe events, murder mystery evenings, comedy clubs, musical performances, coffee mornings and much more.

There is a lot for our audiences to see, but there is a vast amount of work that goes on behind the scenes and this is provided by our workforce of volunteers. And what a committed, hard working, enthusiastic and supportive group of volunteers we have!

On Wednesday 27th November 7pm to 9pm we are holding our Ilkley Playhouse Open Evening.

This is an opportunity to celebrate our volunteers but also to showcase all the volunteering opportunities on offer at the Playhouse.

If you’ve ever been curious about volunteering at Ilkley Playhouse, this is your chance to have a look at the area you might like to be involved with, from bar and coffee duties, front of house and programme selling to costume, lighting, set design and props.

As our Artistic Director Jay Cundell-Walker says: “There is a place for everyone in our theatre”. Full training is provided in all roles and new volunteers have the opportunity to ‘have a go’ with a Playhouse member beside them before they officially start.

Many current members and volunteers will be on hand to chat to you about life at the Playhouse and to give tours of our wonderful theatre.

Make a date for a great evening out at Ilkley Playhouse.

Bookings for all productions and events can be made at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or by calling 01943 609539.

- Caroline Mutton