There is plenty going on at Ilkley Playhouse in the run up to Christmas, as Caroline Mutton previews for Ilkley Chat.
Celtic folk trio band Roisin Ban return to the Wildman Studio this 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. They have performed at numerous folk festivals in the UK, including their annual fixture at the Whitby Folk Week.
The following evening, Saturday 2nd November, our first Stagefright Comedy Club of the season takes place. 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.
Next Thursday 7th November, Rory Kinnear’s The Herd opens in the Wharfeside Theatre. As Andy Griffith’s 21st birthday arrives, his return home – a rare occurrence - sparks mounting tensions for his mother Carol. Torn between familial expectations, the arrival of unexpected guests and the painful reality of Andy’s deteriorating health, can the Griffiths family unite despite fate’s adversities? This witty, agonising and eye-opening play cleverly balances moments of comedy with intense drama, and reveals the frustrations, love and sacrifices involved in caring for a family member with disabilities. Rory Kinnear is an award-winning actor and playwright and is well-known for playing Bill Tanner in the recent James Bond films and has played leading men in Hamlet, Othello and Macbeth at the National Theatre. The Herd is his debut play and draws on his experience of growing up with his sister Karina who suffered a lack of oxygen at birth that caused severe brain damage. The Herd beautifully captures the way family members simultaneously lift each other up and bring each other down, blending wit, frustration and tenderness. You can expect an evening filled with laughter, touching moments and universal themes that resonate with everyone who has experienced the ups and downs of family life. Come join us for a theatrical experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls. Please note that this production contains strong language. The play runs until 16th November.
Get in the festive mood with Bleak Expectations opening in the Wharfeside Theatre on 5th December. Follow half-orphan Pip’s extraordinary exploits with sisters Pippa and Poppy and best friend Harry Biscuit, as they attempt to escape the calculating clutches of the Mr Gently Benevolent, defeat the hideous Hardthrasher siblings and deflect disaster at every turn! Will evil be vanquished by virtue? Can love triumph over hate? Based on the award-winning Radio 4 series, Mark Evans’ play is a hilarious, chaotic caper featuring dastardly villains, preposterous names, pulse-quickening romances, heart-rending death scenes, and, of course, a happy ending! The play runs until 14th December.
Talking of Christmas, another date for your diary: Ilkley Playhouse annual Christmas coffee morning takes place on Saturday 30th November from 9.30am-1.00pm. Come along for some festive cheer and enjoy watching our junior and senior Greenrooms actors perform. Enjoy a mince pie, a warming drink, mingle with friends old and new, browse our Christmas stalls and maybe win a wonderful raffle prize!
To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.