Ilkley Playhouse

WELL now that Halloween and bonfire night are behind us, the nights are drawing in and dare I say it, we are starting to think about Christmas. Here at Ilkley Playhouse we have just the ticket for a pre-Christmas work event, a Christmas gift that delivers a memorable experience or just a fun night out with friends.

Comedy never fails to bring people together and we provide the perfect atmosphere for a great night. Our next Stagefright comedy night on Saturday, November 30 features Justin Moorhouse, Jack Carroll and a talented line up to complete the evening. Justin has been described by Jimmy Carr 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. Jack has also appeared on Live At The Apollo, Sunday Night At The Palladium and It’s Been A Funny Old Week. He was was awarded a Pride of Britain Award in 2012 in the “Teenager of Courage” category. Away from comedy, Jack is an established actor, with roles in CBBC’s Ministry of Curious Stuff, BBC1’s Big School, Sky’s critically-acclaimed sitcom Trollied and the recent British cinema hit Eaten By Lions.

If live music is more your thing, on Friday, November 22 the hugely popular and talented Rob Dylan Band return to Ilkley Playhouse. Their show captures the very spirit of Bob Dylan and will take you on a nostalgic journey through the music, poetry and energy of one of the greatest songwriters. Sit back and enjoy songs such as ‘Lay Lady Lay’, ‘Things have changed’ and ‘You ain’t goin’ nowhere’ at a time when you might need a bit of chilled out distraction from the Christmas preparations.

We up the tempo the following night on Saturday, November 23 when Soul Train will be performing their rousing show. This Yorkshire based band are fast becoming one of the most sought after authentic soul acts in the UK, delivering outstanding performances from the 60s and 70s Motown era such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Otis Redding and Stevie Wonder. The band is made up from the finest, seasoned musicians to compile an exceptional line-up that

features Drums, Bass, Guitar, Trumpet, Tenor, Alto and Baritone Sax, together creating a phenomenal authentic sound.

On Wednesday, November 27 from 7pm to 9pm we are holding our Ilkley Playhouse Open Evening where we will showcase the wonderful volunteering opportunities on offer at our Playhouse. If it is help with sewing, backstage, refreshments, lighting, front of house or set design that you fancy, come along and have a chat to our current volunteers about life at the Playhouse

and be given a tour of our fantastic theatre.

We have the perfect play for Christmas with Alan Bennett’s adaptation of The Wind in the Willows directed by Playhouse favourite Damian O’Keefe. The play premiered in 1990 and has become a classic in its own right. Bennett manages to make the tale both nostalgic and current at the same time and slips in enough jokes for the adults to keep them as entertained as the younger members of the audience. This really is a play to suit all ages and would make a delightful Christmas treat for all the family. The play runs from Wednesday 4th December to Saturday 14th December. Tickets are already selling fast so bag yourself a ticket soon! Visit our website for tickets or more information about all our events and productions at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk

Caroline Mutton