Calendar Girls The Musical this April at Ilkley Playhouse
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An exciting line-up in April at Ilkley Playhouse includes Calendar Girls The Musical, the thriller Bindweed and music from After Hours Quintet and The Hooliemen.
Caroline Mutton takes a look for Ilkley Chat.
Visiting theatre company, Rise and Howl Collective Productions, present Martha Loader’s compelling new theatre production Bindweed on 10th and 11th April in the Wildman Studio. Four men convicted of domestic abuse offences meet each week to undergo a perpetrator programme. But as Jen, the new group facilitator, starts to make progress with the men inside the room, life outside begins to buckle. This is a shattering and darkly funny play about responsibility and rehabilitation and questions what can be done to tackle abuse at its root. Told with honesty and moments of unexpected humour, Bindweed has been praised for its deeply human storytelling and its ability to sit with difficult truths. This regional tour brings the play directly to local audiences, championing accessible, high-quality theatre made by artists rooted in the community. Co-Producer Kate Maddison-Greenwell said: “Bindweed is a play that gets under your skin. It speaks to experiences that happen every day, often unnoticed. Bringing this story to local venues feels important, especially at a time when connection and reflection really matter.” Please note that the age guidance for this play is 18 plus. Contains strong adult themes.
Join The After Hours Quintet on Friday 17th April for a scintillating, exhilarating jaunt through the vaults of British Trad Jazz, New Orleans Swing, Gypsy Jazz and Jump Blues. Led by front man Oly Clarkson (on Sax, Clarinet, Harmonica & Saw) the band has thrilled audiences from Dublin to Dubai on their decade-long journey. Seasoned professional Danny Hammerton (Trumpet - Pasadina Roof Orchestra, Glen Miller Orchestra) and Vernon Bigsby (Hot Club of Halifax) are the two latest additions, making for a very impressive lineup alongside John Arnesen and Elliot Roffe (Ancient Infinity Orchestra) on drums and double bass. Expect to hear classics from the American song book blended seamlessly alongside 90's anthems; reimagined in the swing style.
On Saturday 18th April the superb traditional Irish folk band, The Hooliemen make their Ilkley Playhouse debut, made up of four seasoned and highly accomplished musicians who have played together for decades. They bring a lifetime of experience, energy, and artistry to every performance. With up-tempo Irish traditional music at their core, The Hooliemen deliver thrilling jigs and reels, heartfelt ballads, tight vocal harmonies, unaccompanied (a cappella) songs, and the unique flair of sean-nós dance. Their set features beautiful renditions of well-known Irish songs as well as high-energy instrumental sets.
Our next production to open in the Wharfeside Theatre on Wednesday 22nd April is Calendar Girls The Musical. The death of a much-loved husband prompts a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire Women's Institute to do an extraordinary thing. Blasting away all preconceptions of what it is to be in a women's institute, they decide to create an artistic nude calendar to raise money for charity. Upturning preconceptions is a dangerous business and none of them expect the emotional and personal ramifications, but gradually the making of the fabulous calendar brings each woman unexpectedly into flower. The true story of the Calendar Girls launched a global phenomenon, a million copycat calendars, a record-breaking movie, a stage play and this musical written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow. With unforgettable songs, every performance continues to add to the millions already raised for the charity Bloody Cancer UK and also proves that there is no such thing as an ordinary woman. Calendar Girls The Musical runs until Saturday 2nd May and tickets are already selling out fast!
Looking ahead to May, Ilkley Live present A Night of the Blues and Stagefright Comedy Club returns.
To book tickets visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.