Caroline Mutton take a look at what's on at Ilkley Playhouse over the next few weeks.
Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor is in its second week in the Wharfeside Theatre and is receiving rave reviews. This brilliantly witty farce tells of a would-be seducer, a jealous husband and two resourceful housewives in a hilarious battle of wits and wiles. Sir John Falstaff gets more than he bargains for when he simultaneously pursues two wealthy married women. Upon receiving identical copies of Falstaff’s love letter, the spirited mistresses Ford and Page cook up a scheme of their own to teach the fat knight a lesson, with uproariously funny results. Sir John Falstaff is perhaps one of Shakespeare’s favourite characters; a knight with hilariously high self-esteem, a total lack of self-awareness and a limitless appetite for good times. The lengths he will go to find a lady is endlessly entertaining. Don’t miss this uplifting comedy with just a pinch of wickedness. The play runs until 22nd March.
Over the next two months you can look forward to a variety of musical entertainment and comedy.
Chris Bannister returns to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday 28th March, showcasing his latest album The Calling Course. Chris Bannister is a singer-songwriter from the North of England and has released seven albums of critically acclaimed original material. His distinctive singing style has led to him being compared to the great American singer/songwriter John Denver, although the comparison ends with the vocals. His original material has many influences of folk, country and rock.
Stagefright Comedy Club returns to the Wildman Studio on Saturday 29th March and will be frontlined by Seymour Mace, a two-time Edinburgh Festival Best Show nominee and City Life Comedian Of The Year. From Dave's One Night Stand, The Weird World Of Russell Brand, The Stand-Up Show, Hebburn, Comedy Lab, The World Stands Up and Clive Anderson's Chat Room. He was also a regular in BBC2's Johnny Vegas sitcom Ideal. Joining him is Kelly Rickard, who has been described as ‘brutally honest and hilarious!’(Rosie Ramsey) and as ‘very funny’ (The Scotsman). She was awarded Best Show Panel Prize Winner at Edinburgh Fringe, Felt Nowt New Act Of The Year winner & Chortle Hotshots Finalist. Also performing is Gurps Cheema, who has ‘sharp wit and engaging storytelling’ (BBC online). Lizzie Norm, who was So You Think You’re Funny? runner up at Edinburgh Festival in 2023 and who has ‘wonderfully droll observations’ (BBC), will be joining them. Comparing the event is Metro Award winner and talented comedian Anthony J Brown.
On Friday 4th April The Art of Simon make a welcome return to Ilkley Playhouse, performing their extensive range of songs made famous by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel from the early years through to some of their solo hits. The evening will no doubt bring back some warm, nostalgic memories with songs such as Baby Driver, A Poem on the Underground Wall, The Boxer and Homeward Bound.
We welcome back The Yorkshire Gypsy Swing Collective on Saturday 5th April when some of the region’s hottest gypsy jazz and swing players will perform, playing music inspired from legendary musicians Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli of the “Quintette du Hot Club de France” and more! Expect fiery solos, foot-stomping rhythms and even some jazz standards to sing along to.
On Friday 11th April, join us for an unforgettable night of hand-clapping, toe-tapping music with The Wild Murphys, a popular award-winning tribute group renowned for their lively cover of Irish songs. If you like songs by The Pogues, The Dubliners, The Saw Doctors, Brendan Shine, The Fureys, along with some great sing-along country classics, then this is a night out you don’t want to miss!
Compelling play Mary Shelley opens in the Wharfeside Theatre on Thursday 24th April. Playwright Helen Edmundson explores a tumultuous period in the early life of Mary Shelley, from meeting and eloping with poet Percy Bysshe Shelley at just aged sixteen, to publishing one of the greatest Gothic horror stories ever written; Frankenstein. The play runs until Saturday 3rd May.
To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.