Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s modern adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s political classic An Enemy of the People is currently being performed in the Wharfeside Theatre and runs until Saturday, September 21.

It has been described by last week’s audiences as ‘thought-provoking, shocking, funny and touching’, ‘a piece of theatre that will elicit deep thought and wide-ranging discussion’ and ‘a play completely relevant to today with current local and national interest.’ Rebecca Lenkiewicz has breathed fresh life into an old classic with a version that shows us that despite being over a century old, its message is still vitally relevant today. When Dr Stockmann discovers the town’s famous spa waters are contaminated, she expects to be applauded for averting an environmental disaster. Instead, she is accused by her brother, who happens to be the local mayor, of threatening the town’s livelihood. Public and media opinion divides and the community splits into factions. Tackling fake news, freedom of speech, whistle-blowers, the corruption of power and family dynamics, this powerful and gripping play makes for a compelling night of theatre.

Rehearsals are in full swing for fringe production Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, opening in the Wildman Studio on September 26. The play immerses its audience into a world where individuals are only permitted to 140 words per day, dramatically experimenting with speech and the power it holds, the weight it carries and the silence it creates. Oliver and Bernadette are an ordinary couple with ordinary problems until life becomes quieter in the worst way. Navigating this drastic change, they must relearn how to communicate with each other. Their journey explores life together as they grapple with restriction and its impact on their relationship. With sharp wit and emotional depth, Steiner’s play explores the power of language, the struggle for connection and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of authoritarian control. The play runs until Saturday, September 28.

Starting on Wednesday, October 23 is this season’s six-week History of Art course. From the cave paintings of Altamira to the cinema of Pedro Almadóvar, Spain has an impressive history of visual art. This course offers a selective introduction to that history. Each session considers a major Spanish artist or an artist working in Spain. The emphasis throughout is on the dialogue between tradition and modernity: how old masters such as El Greco, Velázquez and Goya anticipated aspects of modern art and how modern artists like Picasso, Miró and Dalí continued to find inspiration in the work of the Spanish masters. Each session offers an introduction to an aspect of Spanish art and will address specific themes, contexts and artists. The sessions will typically consist of two halves: the first giving a broader overview of an artist’s career; the second an in-depth discussion of a particular artwork. The course runs from 10.30am till 12 noon every week and is great value at £42 for the six-week course.

Popular Celtic folk trio band Roisin Ban return to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday, November 1 for an evening of lively, Celtic folk music and song. Playing a mix of traditional Irish and Scottish folk songs and tunes, this accomplished band is well-respected on the UK folk scene.

Our first Stagefright Comedy Club of the season takes place on Saturday, November 2. The event will be frontlined by Mick Ferry who is renowned as a fine purveyor of surrealism and voted best UK Stand-Up in a national poll of his peers. Mick has starred in The Comedy Store for Comedy Central, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Edinburgh Comedy Fest, The World Stands Up aswell as the Ken Loach film Looking for Eric. Joining him will be comedian Karl Porter – a fantastic natural born gagster from the North-West England. A ‘Lad of the Year’ nominee, you can’t but help love his cheeky and unique self-deprecation, laced with tall tales and hilarious observations. Stevie Cairns will also be performing, described as having ‘an immediately likeable stage presence, delivering inventive storytelling material and memorable punchlines’. Joining them will be Andy Ellis, described as ‘one of the best new acts around’ (Micky P Kerr – Britain’s Got Talent Finalist). The event will be compered by Anthony J Brown.

On Friday, November 22 a group of five of the finest musicians around today make their debut performance at Ilkley Playhouse. Stony Jazz are purveyors of songs from the Great American Songbook. Their set includes instantly recognisable songs from swing to blues and ballads to Latin, which are performed with style, energy and entertainment.

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