Caroline Mutton takes a look at the upcoming shows and events at Ilkley Playhouse.
Starting on Wednesday 23rd October is this season’s six-week History of Art course. From the cave paintings of Altamira to the cinema of Pedro Almadóvar, Spain has an impressive history of visual art. This course offers a selective introduction to that history. Each session considers a major Spanish artist or an artist working in Spain. The emphasis throughout is on the dialogue between tradition and modernity: how old masters such as El Greco, Velázquez and Goya anticipated aspects of modern art and how modern artists like Picasso, Miró and Dalí continued to find inspiration in the work of the Spanish masters. Each session offers an introduction to an aspect of Spanish art and will address specific themes, contexts and artists. The sessions will typically consist of two halves: the first giving a broader overview of an artist’s career; the second an in-depth discussion of a particular artwork. The course runs from 10.30am till 12 noon every week and is great value at £42 for the six-week course.
Popular Celtic folk trio band Roisin Ban [pictured below] return to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday 1st November for an evening of lively, Celtic folk music and song. Playing a mix of traditional Irish and Scottish folk songs and tunes, this accomplished band is well-respected on the UK folk scene.
Our first Stagefright Comedy Club of the season takes place on Saturday 2nd November. The event will be frontlined by Mick Ferry who is renowned as a fine purveyor of surrealism and voted best UK Stand-Up in a national poll of his peers. Mick has starred in The Comedy Store for Comedy Central, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Edinburgh Comedy Fest, The World Stands Up aswell as the Ken Loach film Looking for Eric. Joining him will be comedian Karl Porter – a fantastic natural born gagster from the North-West England. A ‘Lad of the Year’ nominee, you can’t but help love his cheeky and unique self-deprecation, laced with tall tales and hilarious observations. Stevie Cairns will also be performing, described as having ‘an immediately likeable stage presence, delivering inventive storytelling material and memorable punchlines’. Joining them will be Andy Ellis, described as ‘one of the best new acts around’ (Micky P Kerr – Britain’s Got Talent Finalist). The event will be compered by Anthony J Brown.
Our next Wharfeside Theatre production is Rory Kinnear’s debut play The Herd, opening on Thursday 7th November. This is a domestic family drama set on Andy Griffith’s 21st birthday. Anxiety-ridden Carol is determined to have an intimate family dinner party to celebrate the birthday of her son Andy, who has profound disabilities. Everything is going wrong. Her estranged ex-husband drops in unexpectedly after years of having nothing to do with her or their son’s disability. Her daughter reveals that she has a new boyfriend who Carol has never met and is also attending the party. And Carol’s son and caregiver are late…very very late to the party. Torn between familial expectation, the arrival of unexpected guests, and the painful reality of Andy’s deteriorating health, can the Griffiths family band together despite fate’s adversities? Tackling dilemmas both ethical and mundane, The Herd is a poignant and humorous portrayal of living with profound disability within the family. Director Rick Hyland says of the play, “Don't miss the chance to experience award-winning play, The Herd! This play is a comic, compelling and heart-warming exploration of family dynamics. The Herd delves deep into the complex relationships that define us all. This production promises an evening filled with laughter, sharp dialogue, and unexpected twists. Come join us for a theatrical experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls.” The Herd is a study of familial endurance about the deep love, frustration and weariness that come with a life defined by caregiving. Join us in November for a good few laughs and maybe the odd tear. Please note that this production contains strong language. The play runs until 16th November.
On Friday 22nd November a group of five of the finest musicians around today make their debut performance at Ilkley Playhouse. Stony Jazz are purveyors of songs from the Great American Songbook. Their set includes instantly recognisable songs from swing to blues and ballads to Latin, which are performed with style, energy and entertainment.
To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.