Caroline Mutton takes a look at events at Ilkley Playhouse for Ilkley Chat.
Our current play Glorious! has received rave reviews over the past week. “What a great evening! Funny, heart-warming and surprisingly moving”, “a fabulously entertaining show, we loved it”, “It was hilarious and yet moving too.”, “a wonderfully joyful play and superbly acted. It will make you laugh out loud and warm your heart in equal measure”. These comments reflect what a thoroughly entertaining play Glorious! is - hugely comedic, yet pulls at the heart strings and will leave you feeling happy with the world! The play is based on the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins who was probably the worst soprano the world has ever seen. And yet she could fill New York’s iconic Carnegie Hall to the roof. This play is her story – a story of triumph over embarrassment. Often described as ‘the first lady of the sliding scale’ in 1940s New York, Florence Foster Jenkins performed to sell-out audiences despite being unable to sing a note. But this delusional and joyously happy woman paid little attention to her critics and was surrounded by a circle of devoted friends who were almost as eccentric as she was. The play spins from Florence’s charity recitals and extravagant balls, through to her bizarre recording sessions and the ultimate triumph at Carnegie Hall. Florence’s story blends history, humour and heart-warming pathos in perfect harmony. Tickets are selling fast so get yours soon. Glorious! runs until Saturday 29th June.
We end this season with some fantastic musical events. Firstly, on Friday 5th July, prepare to be transported on a remarkable musical journey as Fleetwood Shack makes its debut performance at Ilkley Playhouse. Featuring an impressive repertoire of the biggest and most beloved Fleetwood Mac hits, such as ‘Don’t Stop’, ‘Go Your Own Way’, ‘Little Lies’, ‘Everywhere’, ‘Landslide’ and many more, this show guarantees to immerse you in a captivating, nostalgic and unforgettable experience.
The following evening, Saturday 6th July, Lee Newsome performs Elvis ‘Up Close and Personal’. Lee has been performing his tribute to the King for four years and currently tours the UK in various theatres and clubs. Lee’s stunning powerhouse vocals and attention to detail, with suits made by the person who made Elvis’ suits, are simply second to none. The show is an unforgettable, jaw-dropping experience from start to finish, with customised projection visuals and indoor special effects.
On Friday 19th July Voodoo Room returns to Ilkley Playhouse. Paying tribute to some of the greatest names in rock history, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Cream, Voodoo Room is a stunning power-trio featuring some of the UK’s finest musicians. A world-class show, put together in total appreciation of the massive pioneers of classic blues and rock. Hear all the classics including Strange Brew, Hey Joe, Sunshine of Your Love, Fire, Watchtower, Layla, Purple Haze, Foxy Lady and many more.
On Saturday 20th July Spandesque Ballet will take you straight back to the 1980s as they recreate that distinctive sound of the New Romantics era with their amazing performance of Spandau Ballet hits. Playing live, this fantastic six-piece band will take you back in time on a nostalgic musical journey. With hits such as the electro-pop debut single To Cut a Long Story Short, the sing-a-long ballad True, the powerful anthem Through the Barricades, the dance floor fillers Communication and Chant No.1, as well as the biggest Spandau Ballet hit Gold, there's plenty of great music in this show to remind you just how great the 1980s were for producing timeless classics!
The final play of the season, Honour, opens on 8th July in the Wildman Studio. Married for over thirty years, writers Honor and George are fulfilled and satisfied. He is a successful, highly respected journalist; she is a contented housewife whose early literary promise has been sidelined by marriage and family life. Into the scene steps Claudia – attractive, intelligent and half George’s age. As her husband succumbs to Claudia’s charms, Honor is caught up in the destructive whirlwind that tears apart her domestic idyll. The play explores love, desire and loss and deals with Honor’s devastation, George’s betrayal, their daughter Sophie’s angry bewilderment and Claudia’s duplicity. This play will hold the audience gripped to the very end. The play runs until Saturday 13th July.
In August, returning for the fifth year, is our popular fringe production Bard in the Yard. This year you can look forward to half-hour adaptations of Richard III and The Tempest. Performances will take place at 7.30pm on Saturday 24th August in the Wildman Theatre and at 2pm in the Manor House Yard on Sunday 25th and Monday 26th August (Bank Holiday). Please note that to book for the Manor House performances, please book via their website www.ilkleymanorhouse.org
If the weather is inclement on the Sunday or Monday, we have the option of transferring back to Ilkley Playhouse which is less than five minutes’ walk away. Tickets are just £8!
To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.