MRS Warren’s Profession is entering its second week in the Wharfeside Theatre and it is being very well-received by audiences. If you are not familiar with this witty and deeply touching play written by George Bernard Shaw, here is a brief synopsis: Mrs Warren’s daughter Vivie has never really known much about her mother. A sensible young woman, she has enjoyed a comfortable upbringing, a Cambridge education, a generous monthly allowance and now has ambitions to go into Law. Is it conceivable that her privilege and respectability have been financed from the profits of the world’s oldest profession? How will Vivie react when she finds out the truth about her mother’s empire? Banned, censored and controversial during George Bernard Shaw’s lifetime, this play resonates in new ways for today’s audience. The play has been updated by director Rick Hyland to 1960s Manchester to highlight the ever-relevant issues the play deals with. He takes inspiration from the famous Profumo affair and there are many moments that will deeply resonate with our modern audiences. The play runs until Saturday 24th September so get your tickets soon!

Beryl, written by Maxine Peake, is our next play to open in the Wharfeside Theatre on Thursday 3rd November. This witty, charming and critically acclaimed play celebrates the life of unsung sporting legend Beryl Burton. When Beryl Charnock met keen cyclist Charlie Burton, she was smitten, not only with Charlie but with the thrill and freedom she found on her bike. However, Beryl Burton was never meant to cycle. Aged 11, a serious illness left her with a weakened heart. Doctors warned against strenuous exercise for the rest of her life. Yet she went on to become twice World Roadrace Champion, five times World Pursuit Champion and became the first sportswoman in history to break a men’s competitive record. She was one of the most astonishing sports people ever. When actress Maxine Peake was given Beryl Burton’s autobiography as a gift she questioned why no one had ever written a play about Britain’s unsung sporting legend, and so she wrote it herself. The result is an incredible homage to the greatest woman on two wheels, an inspirational tour de force fuelled by northern charm and fierce determination. The play runs until Saturday 12th November.

Our next Stagefright Comedy Club takes place on Saturday 1st October frontlined by Jonny Pelham and Anna Thomas. Jonny Pelham is one of the most exciting stand-up comedians in the UK. He has appeared on Live at the Apollo, Mock The Week, Alan Davies As Yet Untitled, Russell Howard’s Stand-up Central, Live from the BBC and Bobby and Harriet Get Married. Anna Thomas is a Welsh comedian and winner of BBC’s New Comedy Awards 2021. UK Comedy Guide Chortle describes her ‘distinctive rhythms and charmingly dotty attitude that wins our affections with a convivial daftness. She has the appealing air of not quite being of this world. But whatever planet she’s from, they know funny’. Supporting them is Benny Shakes - a powerhouse of ‘funny’ built on a foundation of clever joke writing, from the daily struggles of living with a disability to his observations on red neck life. Benny is a relatable and affable comic who ‘raises the roof’ every time. Also supporting is Midlands Comedy Award winner Tommy Tomski. He has been described as ‘an imaginative weaver of narrative with a machine gun style delivery of punchlines’. The line-up for the evening will be brilliantly compered by Anthony Brown.

We have a variety of events to entertain you throughout November. We have a wonderful new event lined up on 13th November: AbidA – A Feast for the Senses. Based on a traditional North African ritual, the performance consists of seven scenes which present evocations of each of seven colours through dance, sound, text, imagery and fragrance. Each scene has its own particular ensemble of musicians and dancers.

On 18th November we see the debut performance of Celtic folk trio Roisin Ban, playing a mix of mainly traditional Irish and Scottish folk songs and tunes. Award winning tribute artist Richard Griffin performs Elvis – The Songbook on 19th November, singing many of Elvis’ classic hits including My Way, Suspicious Minds, Blue Suede Shoes and many more. The Soul Train Experience returns on 26th November, to delight audiences with their fantastic renditions of timeless Soul and Motown classics.

Why not take advantage of 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. Please note that the offer ends this Saturday 24th September.

To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.