Ilkley Playhouse

by Caroline Mutton

“WARM, witty, sharply-written and incredibly moving” is how Dick Hebbert, Director of The York Realist, describes this wonderful play, opening in the Wharfeside theatre on Thursday 7th July. This is our final production of the 2021-22 season and it is fitting that this play opens in Pride month, a time when we celebrate sexual diversity. For this play is a tender and complex love story between two young men, set in the 1960s when same sex relationships were far from celebrated; they were illegal. Middle class Londoner John has come to York to work as Assistant Director on an amateur staging of the Mystery plays and meets the working class farm labourer George, who is acting in it. John desperately wants George to return to London with him. In George’s decision, writer Peter Gill makes us think more deeply about forbidden love, the depth of English class allegiances and the meaning of family. This influential play about two young men in love is a touching reflection of the rival forces of family, class and longing. Peter Gill is one of the key figures of British theatre and has directed many productions at the Royal National Theatre and the RSC. The York Realist runs until Saturday 16th July in the Wharfeside Theatre.

Justin Moorhouse is back! At Ilkley Playhouse’s Stagefright Comedy Club this coming Saturday 2nd July. Justin is now in great demand as a stand-up comedian, writer, TV and radio presenter. After winning the ‘North West Comedian of the Year’ Award (like Caroline Aherne Dave Spikey, Peter Kay before him and Jason Manford, John Bishop since) he’s gone on to be a TV and radio regular plus award-winning and widely respected stand up. Along the way he’s been ‘Young Kenny’ in Peter Kay’s ‘Phoenix Nights’, starred in a feature film ‘Looking For Eric’ directed by Ken Loach, won a Sony Radio Award, knocked ‘em dead on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1), 8 Out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Dave’s One Night Stand (Dave), won Celebrity Mastermind (BBC1) and even appeared on Coronation Street (ITV)! This is a brand new show that may contain: yoga, getting older, shoplifters, labradoodles, the menopause, self-improvement, the gym, is tapas a rip off and much more! And he’s got a new suit. Also performing is Jack Campbell (former winner of the prestigious English Comedian of the Year award). Supporting them is Kevin Daniel (nominated for Midlands Comedy New Act Of The Year for 2019 and Midlands Comedy Breakthrough Act in 2021) and Jacob Nussey (Beat the Frog and Won Ten Feet Tall Gong winner with clever sharp jokes and hilariously ill-fated anecdotes). All wonderfully compered by the talented Anthony J Brown. Come on, it’ll be fun!

On Tuesday 19th July, the seven Oscar winning film The Sting is the second screening of what we hope will become a new monthly Ilkley Playhouse Film Club. Come and be reminded of how Paul Newman and Robert Redford set up the ultimate con-trick! The film starts at 1.30pm (box office opens at 1pm) and tea and cake will be served afterwards. Tickets are £5.

We are excited to announce our new season ticket offer. Buy your tickets for all eight Wharfeside 2022/2023 productions at the same time and get one play free, saving you up to £12. You can either choose your preferred day of the week and seat number for the entire season or opt for the flexible season ticket and book whichever days of the week and seat number that suit you best for each production. This offer ends on Saturday 24th September.

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