The Herd, by actor and playwright, Rory Kinnear, is now into its second week in the Wharfeside Theatre and is not to be missed!

Kinnear, who writes from his experience of living with a sister with profound difficulties, brings a fresh and poignant perspective on living with a family member with significant disabilities. The play delves into the dynamics of a family who have gathered together for a special occasion – the 21st birthday of Andy, who has a severe disability. While the family prepares for the celebration, the day becomes increasingly unpredictable as unexpected guests arrive, tensions mount and long-held resentments resurface. The Herd beautifully captures the way family members simultaneously lift each other up and bring each other down, and is a clever combination of wit, frustration and tenderness. Kinnear’s masterful writing brings out the quirks, complexities and enduring love family life brings. Expect an evening filled with laughter, touching moments and universal themes that resonate with everyone who has experienced the ups and downs of family life. Please note that the play does contain strong language. The play runs until November 16th.

The Herd is into its second week at Ilkley Playhouse The Herd is into its second week at Ilkley Playhouse (Image: Charlie Swinbourne)

Our Christmas production, Bleak Expectations, opens in the Wharfeside Theatre on December 5th. Follow half-orphan Pip's extraordinary exploits with sisters Pippa and Poppy and best friend Harry Biscuit, as they attempt to escape the calculating clutches of the dastardly Mr Gently Benevolent, defeat the hideous Hardthrasher siblings, and deflect disaster at every turn! Will evil be vanquished by virtue? Can love triumph over hate? This is a glorious, riotous, eccentric comedy set in Dickensian society with characters based on some of Dickens' most-loved novels. Fast paced and wildly funny this play has not long finished its West End run and was actually taken from the popular BBC Radio 4 series. It's going to be fun! The play runs until December 14th.

The Ilkley Playhouse annual Christmas coffee morning takes place on Saturday, November 30th from 9.30am-1.00pm. Come along for some festive cheer and enjoy watching our junior and senior Greenrooms actors perform. Enjoy a mince pie, a warming drink, mingle with friends old and new, browse our Christmas stalls and maybe win a wonderful raffle prize!

Junior Greenroom students aged eight to twelve will throw their energies into our second fringe production of the season on January 11th and 12th: the audience-friendly adaptation of the much-loved story of Aladdin. Enter the treasure cave, rub the magic lamp, awake the powerful Genie, mount the flying carpet, battle the evil magician and win the heart of the beautiful Princess.

We have some exciting musical events that you can look forward to in the New Year. Get ready to step inside the fabulous music of the 1960s on Friday, January 31st where we celebrate some of the best icons of the decade. Shout Out to the 60s is a toe-tapping, head-shakin’ celebration of the greatest idols of the 1960s – Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Cilla Black, Petula Clark, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, The Supremes and everyone in between! Listen to the unforgettable voices and harmonies of former West End singer Sandy Smith, along with the talented vocals of Sophie Mairi.

On Saturday, February 1st Fire and Rain return to Ilkley Playhouse where once again audiences will be entertained by six of the best musicians from the North of England who come together to play music they love. Expect the classic James Taylor songs including Steamroller Blues, Shower the People, Fire and Rain and many more.

The award-winning Jon Palmer Acoustic Band make a welcome return to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday, February 7th following their previous sell-out performances. They are a high energy six-piece folk/rock band based in West Yorkshire, where they have built a strong reputation. The band’s latest album Vacca Wall has top producer David Crickmore at the helm, and contains a musically and lyrically varied mix of twelve great songs. The album has received outstanding reviews from the music press.

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