Ilkley Playhouse

by Caroline Mutton

REHEARSALS are well under way for our next play All My Sons which is opening in the Wharfeside theatre on Thursday, November 4th. This was Arthur Miller’s first masterpiece and is a piece of work that established him as one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th Century. Set in 1947 America, despite hard choices and even harder knocks, Joe and Kate Keller are a success story. They have built a home, raised two sons and established a thriving business. But nothing lasts forever and their contented lives, already shadowed by the loss of their eldest boy to war, are about to shatter. With the return of a figure from the past, long buried truths are forced to the surface and the price of their American dream is laid bare. Reviving this classic play enables the audience to examine the cost of the American dream, whilst exploring themes and ideas which have relevance to all our lives: guilt, betrayal, deceit, social responsibility and family. All My Sons runs until Saturday, November 13th and tickets are available to purchase now.

On Saturday, October 16th the roof of the Wildman Studio will be raised with laughter as audiences see the return of the Stagefright Comedy Club. This time 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.

Two musical events will be returning to the Wildman Studio this month. Firstly, on October 22nd The Art of Simon perform the classic hits of Simon and Garfunkel. Lose yourself in nostalgia as Bryan and Jem faithfully recreate Paul Simon’s songs from Mrs Robinson to Homeward Bound to Bridge over Troubled Water. The following night, Laurel Canyon Union perform songs from the never forgotten Woodstock generation. From the gentle reflection of James Taylor to the rebel fury of Neil Young, with favourites from Jackson Browne, the Eagles, The Byrds, Crosby Stills & Nash and many more along the way. The band will be supported by Nick Hall, multi-award-winning singer-songwriter who has toured the world as a session guitarist and recently sang at the London Palladium with Al Stewart.

Ilkley Playhouse is hosting a 10-week History of Art course starting on Wednesday, October 27th. 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. It is £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.