Ilkley Playhouse

by Caroline Mutton

FROM October 6th to 9th October Ilkley Playhouse audiences will be treated to a one-off exclusive performance of Letter to Boddah. The play is set entirely in the disabled toilet of a Tesco store where two childhood friends Neil and Billy are armed, in full military gear and ready to blow up the supermarket. The characters are performed by two phenomenal professional actors: Tom Gibbons of Coronation Street and The Archers, and Dean Smith of Waterloo Road and Last Tango in Halifax.

We asked Dean Smith who plays Neil Tinker some questions about this powerful piece of drama.

Why this play now?

I think a lot of people have felt like these two characters over the pandemic. Trapped, scared and confused. Also I think so many people have exhausted Netflix during lockdown, so live theatre is a blessing!

Have you worked at Ilkley Playhouse before?

Never! Tom and I are both from Leeds and love Ilkley and the Yorkshire countryside. Ilkley Playhouse is a great space and we are so excited to bring this play here. It’s a real pleasure as two Yorkshire men to be working in our home county.

Do you prefer working in TV or on stage?

I just like working to be honest. I feel very lucky to have had the career that I’ve had. TV is fun and has given me my break in the industry but I have to say there’s nothing like the thrill of playing a show to an audience. I’ve missed it so much.

Why should people come and see this play?

People should come and see this play to witness an hour’s hurricane of emotion. It’s such an exhausting show to perform! It has big laughs and very touching moments. And more importantly I think being part of a community after the last 18 months is going to feel really special, especially in the arts. It’s certainly what I’ve been craving and I can’t wait to see people down at Ilkley Playhouse!

Please be aware that this production contains strong language, adult themes including domestic abuse, suicide and terrorism. The advisory age is 15 +.

Also coming up at Ilkley Playhouse is the successful Stagefright Comedy Club on Saturday, October 16. It features Sol Bernstein, who Harry Hill describes as ‘simply my favourite comic’. Joining him is Jonny Awsum, award-winning viral musical mirth from Britain’s Got Talent. Also featuring is Seeta Wrightson, a ‘fast-talking Bradfordian with insight, sharp wit and an infectious storytelling guile’ (BBC) and Guy Black, compered by Anthony J Brown.

Ilkley Playhouse is hosting a 10-week History of Art course starting on Wednesday, October 27. This accessible and engaging course takes a broadly chronological approach to British art and beyond from the nineteenth century to the present. Join Dr Rebecca Wade on a journey across a rich and often surprising cultural landscape. No prior knowledge is needed and your tutor will lead you through a carefully selected range of artists, materials and methods, always welcoming your contributions to the discussion. The course takes place in the Wharfeside Theatre from 10.30am-noon each week. £70 for the course.

For details of all our plays and events and to book tickets visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.