AS a theatre, and as a long-standing part of the Ilkley community, we are passionate about supporting new talent: young actors, and those of any age who are new to acting; new writing and creativity. So why not join us at The Wildman Studio to celebrate simple, stripped-back theatre with a focus on actors, dialogue and action.

Our brilliant fringe double bill opens tonight at 7.30pm, when we host two modern dramas with humour and warmth as well as thought-provoking material and great performances. Ghost Town by Jessica Fisher and Hannah and Hanna by John Retallack, are both thoughtful dramas with touching storytelling. There are a few remaining tickets so come along and be entertained, educated and transported. Tickets are only £6.

The Playhouse isn’t just about plays. We relish all opportunities to promote entertainment, be that mainstream and conventional, or something a little different. Speaking of the latter, we are delighted to bring you Tears of Laughter: Simon Mayor and Hilary James will bring beautiful mandolin music to the Wharfeside theatre on the 20th of August.

The duo will share their combination of Simon Mayor’s virtuosity and Hilary James’ voice, which is often described as “honey-dripping”. They’ll also doubtless remember to pack Hilary’s enormous mandobass! If you’ve seen them before, you’ll know what fun is in store. The diversity of their repertoire can be surprising on a first viewing: it encompasses a dozen styles, from folk to blues and Berlioz, classical mandolin show-stoppers, and swing, plus their own infamous comic songs.

We naturally think it’s a hugely entertaining evening, but don’t take our word for it: BBC Radio 4 describes Hilary James as having “one of Britain’s finest voices”; while the BBC World Service described the duo as “sheer musical brilliance”. Seriously talented with humour to boot!

More new writing comes from crime writer Bernie Crosthwaite, with her first full-length play All We Know of Heaven, of which we are privileged to be staging the premier. A dark tale, it takes the audience on a journey of emotional highs and lows. Bernie has previously written plays for radio and won awards for her short stories. Audiences should be aware that this production has adult themes.

Finally, our last little offering of something different for a summer evening is a one-woman comedy drama charting the explosive friendship between a ferocious, wise-cracking teenager and an elderly East End widow. Spine is on for one night only, the 8th of September at 7.30pm.

To book your ticket for Ghost Town / Hannah and Hanna or any of our events, visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or call 01943 609539. You can follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest news, reviews and pictures.

by Claire Emmott