Comedy, music & drama this July at Ilkley Playhouse
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Throughout July Ilkley Playhouse has a variety of events to keep you entertained as Caroline Mutton previews for Ilkley Chat.
On Friday 3rd July Essence Of Django will raise the roof in the Wildman Studio. A vibrant celebration of gypsy jazz and swing, featuring some of the region’s most exciting and expressive musicians. Audiences can expect fiery, virtuosic solos, foot-stomping rhythms, burning ballads, and moments of delicate lyricism, alongside the occasional Latin-inspired piece that adds colour and surprise.
Stagefright Comedy Club returns to the Wildman Studio on Saturday 4th July. The event will be frontlined by Tiff Stevenson, who has been described as ‘heartfelt, hilarious, provocative and one of the best in the business' (The Herald). He is Edinburgh Festival Award winner with a vast array of TV credits including Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, People Just Do Nothing, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Gameface, Comedy Central At The Comedy Store, Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central, The Office, Pointless Celebrities, Show Me The Funny and Comedy Central’s Drunk History. Joining him is Yorkshire born-and-bred comedian, Pete Selwood. He has quickly risen through the comedy ranks with his excellent storytelling style, that combines hilarious observational material with killer punchlines. His provocative wit has featured on Comedy Central Live, The Emily Atack Show, Smoggie Queens and the feature film How To Train Your Dragon. Pete has also snared a trio of illustrious awards, Liverpool Echo New Comedian Of The Year, Hot Water New Comedian Of The Year and Comedy Cellar Best New Yorkshire Act. Also performing is James Smith, who has recently been commended for one of his performances - 'One of the best gigs of the night, both the writing and performance were spot on. There was absolutely nothing to dislike. It was splendid' (Notts Comedy Review). Ending the evening is Hollie Noble who ‘pulls out the surprises as much as she packs in the laughs’ (Comedy Review). The event will be compered by talented Anthony J Brown.
Returning to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday 10th July is the ever-popular Rob Dylan Band. Since its formation the band has headlined at numerous International Dylan Festivals. Through their creative interpretation of the material, they deliver a powerful and dynamic performance featuring some of the greatest songs ever written.
Rehearsals are well underway for Rona Munro’s intense psychological drama, Iron, opening on Monday 13th July. Fay is serving a life sentence for murdering her husband with a kitchen knife. She is 15 years into her sentence when Josie, her 25-year-old daughter, visits her for the first time. Following her mother's imprisonment, Josie was brought up by her paternal Grandmother whom she calls 'mum'. Josie has no memory of the incident, or of her father, and has come to uncover the past - a past that Fay wishes to forget. Iron runs until Saturday 18th July.
Prepare to be transported on a remarkable musical journey as Fleetwood Shack delivers an extraordinary performance on Friday 24th July, featuring an impressive repertoire of the biggest and most beloved Fleetwood Mac hits. Their performance is unforgettable, captivating and nostalgic, showcasing hits Little Lies, Everywhere, Landslide, Go Your Own Way and many more.
On Saturday 25th July, Voodoo Room returns to Ilkley Playhouse to pay tribute to some of the greatest names in rock history - Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Cream, to name a few. Voodoo Room is a stunning power-trio featuring some of the UK’s finest musicians. Expect 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.
This summer will mark the seventh year of Bard in the Yard, when Ilkley Playhouse presents miniature Shakespeare plays in the Manor House Yard. This year The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing will be performed. Performances will take place in the Wildman Studio on the evening of Saturday 29th August and at 2 pm in the open air at Ilkley’s Manor House Yard on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August (Bank Holiday). To enjoy a glorious piece of collaborative ‘pop-up’ theatre in one of Ilkley’s most charming open-air locations, please book soon. All performances usually sell out well in advance. Book as normal for the Ilkley Playhouse performance but via the Manor House website for the open-air matinees in the Manor House Yard. In the event of inclement weather, we have the option of transferring back to the comfort of Ilkley Playhouse.
To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.