What's on at Ilkley Playhouse

Bob and Fran Price have four adult children, each with their own unique struggles and secrets that they want to hide. Over the course of one tumultuous year, we witness the fracturing of this seemingly tight-knit unit, as each of the children come into conflict with their parents over how to live their lives. As they try to redefine themselves away from the hopes and dreams of their parents, Bob and Fran must redefine their relationships with their children and with each other. The play premiered in Adelaide as a co-production between Frantic Assembly and the State Theatre Company of South Australia. It received its British premiere in 2016 at the Lyric Hammersmith. Funny, poignant and heart-breaking, this play explores the dynamics of a family and how they understand truth in the face of tragedy. “People aren’t perfect. Even the people you love. Especially the people you love.” The play runs until Saturday, February 17th.

Things I Know to be True (Image: Ilkley Playhouse)

On Friday, February 23rd The Rob Dylan Band perform in the Wildman Studio. Formed by a group of musicians who share a passion for the music of Bob Dylan, their performance captures the spirit of the Rolling Thunder Revue with exciting and dynamic playing and powerful vocals.

The following night, on Saturday, February 24th, The Jon Palmer Acoustic Band returns to Ilkley Playhouse. Based in Otley, this high energy, folk, roots and rock and roll band is best described as “exploding out of the same box as The Pogues, The Saw Doctors and The Waterboys.” They have a great reputation for finishing off the night in a joyful, energetic and chorus filled way.

On Friday, March 1st and Saturday, March 2nd you can enjoy An Evening in Buenos Aires where rising stars of the Argentine tango, Celeste Cimino and Luciano Millaqueo, will recreate the ambience of a Buenos Aires nightclub. This intimate production will celebrate the history and music of Argentina’s iconic dance: the Tango.

Opening in the Wharfeside Theatre on Thursday, March 7th is Jeeves and Wooster in ‘Perfect Nonsense.’ Winner of the 2014 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, this is an inventive, fast-paced comedy featuring P.G. Wodehouse’s iconic double act. Step into the uproarious world of Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet Jeeves, in this laugh-out-loud farce that brings the timeless wit and humour of Wodehouse to life.

The first of our two fringe productions of the Spring/Summer season is The IT performed by our senior Greenroom students, from March 21st to 23rd in the Wildman Studio. A teenage girl has something growing inside her. She knows it’s not a baby. It expands. It has claws. Eventually it takes over the entirety of her body. No one must know about it. She pulls away from her friends, she refuses to speak, but she can’t contain it forever. Sooner or later something’s got to give….This is a darkly comic piece, exploring mental health and the rage within.

Performing for the first time at Ilkley Playhouse on Friday, April 5th is the Yorkshire Gypsy Swing Collective. Featuring some of the region’s hottest gypsy jazz and swing players, playing music inspired from legendary musicians Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli of the “Quintette du Hot Club de France” and more! Expect fiery solos, foot-stomping rhythms and even some jazz standards to sing along to.

Stagefright Comedy Club is always a popular event at Ilkley Playhouse and this month’s line-up performed to a sell-out crowd last Saturday night. You can look forward to our next Stagefright Comedy Club on Saturday, April 27th when you will be treated to a night of laughter from comedians Aaron Simmonds, Phil Pagett, Alex Mitchell, Helen Brooks and Gareth Williams.

To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.