Packed programme ahead at Ilkley Playhouse
By Caroline Mutton.
Ilkley Playhouse has an exciting line up of events over the coming months that starts with two nights of live music this weekend.
Chris Bannister’s tribute to the Music of John Denver might be just the thing to help us get in the Christmas spirit this Friday 13 November, featuring a set that includes both new songs and some of the Christmas songs that John Denver loved to perform live. For over fifteen years, Chris has toured the world keeping John Denver’s legacy alive with some of his most beloved hits including Annie’s Song, Leaving on a Jet Plane, Rocky Mountain High and many more.
The following evening, Saturday 14 November, Brothers Nick and Duncan Hall bring their signature mix of soaring sibling harmonies and virtuoso guitar playing to Ilkley Playhouse in their special anniversary show ‘35 years of The Hall Brothers!’ Whether as a duo or with other acts, their live shows are always something special. They will be joined by long-time collaborator John Carey on the fiddle, along with a powerhouse rhythm section.
Fire and Rain return to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday 20 November. Always popular with Ilkley Playhouse audiences, the band formed in 2013 when Tom Townsend and Bob Walker were invited to create an homage to James Taylor’s timeless songs. You don’t have to be a fan of James Taylor to enjoy Fire and Rain, but the chances are you will be by the end of the night!
Following a very successful run at Ilkley Playhouse last season, Rise and Howl Collective return to Ilkley Playhouse on 27 and 28 November with their new play Trappings. Four women await the arrival of a new inmate, “fresh meat” on the first day of their group therapy sessions. Dystopian, witty and darkly comic, each person has their own story, strangely recognisable; as old as storytelling itself but disturbingly still heartbreakingly relevant. Trappings will be performed in the Wildman Studio.
Our Christmas play opening on Thursday 3 December is a treat for all the family – a sparkling adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic story of Around the World in 80 days by Laura Eason. The fabulously wealthy Victorian gentleman Phileas Fogg wagers his life's fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days. Along with his hapless valet Passepartout, he sets out on a dazzling escapade that takes him from the misty alleys of London to the exotic subcontinent and on to the Wild West as they race against the clock on a dizzying succession of trains, steamers, a wind-propelled sledge and an elephant. Around the World in 80 Days runs until Saturday 12 December in the Wharfeside Theatre.
Looking ahead to the New Year, Divas, Discos and Icons - a dazzling, high-energy theatre spectacular celebrating the greatest disco anthems and powerhouse vocal legends of all time - make their Ilkley Playhouse debut on Friday 15 January. Starring acclaimed vocalist Sandy Smith alongside the sensational Briony Gunn, this electrifying show features iconic hits from Cher, Tina Turner, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Shirley Bassey and ABBA. Packed with huge songs including I Will Survive, Dancing Queen, It’s Raining Men, Simply The Best and Skyfall, audiences can expect stunning vocals, glamour, nostalgia and non-stop feel-good energy. A spectacular night of big voices, legendary hits and unforgettable entertainment that will have you singing and dancing all the way to the finale.
Join acclaimed singer-songwriter Holly Taymar on Saturday 16 January for a special evening celebrating the music of two of the most beloved voices in modern music: Eva Cassidy and Joni Mitchell. Taymar presents a heartfelt homage to these iconic artists, bringing their timeless songs to life with warmth, sensitivity and authenticity. The show features Eva Cassidy's most-loved interpretations from her hugely popular releases including Songbird, Over The Rainbow and Fields of Gold, alongside some of Joni Mitchell’s most treasured songs, including Big Yellow Taxi, A Case of You and Both Sides Now. Holly Taymar returns to the Wildman Studio after her sellout performance in February 2026, wowing the audience with her stunning interpretations of Eva Cassidy’s remarkable legacy. Don’t miss this moving evening of beautiful music celebrating the unforgettable artistry of Eva Cassidy and Joni Mitchell.
To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.
