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This coming Saturday, 28 March, Stagefright Comedy Club returns to the Wildman Studio at Ilkley Playhouse, we look ahead to the line-up and what else is on in April.
The event will be frontlined by Midlands Comedy Award Winner Ricky Balshaw. He has been described as ‘a fascinating fusion of witty observations and storytelling’ (The Times). Joining him is Slim, who has appeared on Live at the Apollo, Live at the Hackney Empire, Sorry I Didn’t Know, Mel Giedroyc: Unforgiveable, Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains and The Russell Howard Hour. He is described as ‘brave and profoundly funny’ (The Guardian). BBC New Comedy Award Finalist 2025 Shugufta Choudhry also performs. She has ‘charming insights with a dash of darkness’ (SFC). Jack Miller completes the evening, who is ‘absolutely brilliant, born with funny bones’ (Manfords Comedy Club) and is ‘really relatable with on point story telling’ (Just The Tonic). The evening will be compered by talented Anthony J Brown, who has ‘more stings in the tail than a scorpion with a migraine' (Leeds Guide).
Visiting theatre company Rise and Howl Collective Productions present Martha Loader’s compelling new theatre production Bindweed on 10th and 11th April in the Wildman Studio. Four men convicted of domestic abuse offences meet each week to undergo a perpetrator programme. But as Jen, the new group facilitator, starts to make progress with the men inside the room, life outside begins to buckle. This is a shattering and darkly funny play about responsibility and rehabilitation and questions what can be done to tackle abuse at its root. Told with honesty and moments of unexpected humour, Bindweed has been praised for its deeply human storytelling and its ability to sit with difficult truths. This regional tour brings the play directly to local audiences, championing accessible, high-quality theatre made by artists rooted in the community. Co-Producer Kate Maddison-Greenwell said: “Bindweed is a play that gets under your skin. It speaks to experiences that happen every day, often unnoticed. Bringing this story to local venues feels important, especially at a time when connection and reflection really matter.” Please note that the age guidance for this play is 18 plus. Contains strong adult themes.
Join The After Hours Quintet on Friday 17th April for a scintillating, exhilarating jaunt through the vaults of British Trad Jazz, New Orleans Swing, Gypsy Jazz and Jump Blues. Led by front man Oly Clarkson (on Sax, Clarinet, Harmonica & Saw) the band has thrilled audiences from Dublin to Dubai on their decade-long journey. Seasoned professional Danny Hammerton (Trumpet - Pasadina Roof Orchestra, Glen Miller Orchestra) and Vernon Bigsby (Hot Club of Halifax) are the two latest additions, making for a very impressive lineup alongside John Arnesen and Elliot Roffe (Ancient Infinity Orchestra) on drums and double bass. Expect to hear classics from the American song book blended seamlessly alongside 90's anthems; reimagined in the swing style.
On Saturday 18th April the superb traditional Irish folk band, The Hooliemen make their Ilkley Playhouse debut, made up of four seasoned and highly accomplished musicians who have played together for decades. They bring a lifetime of experience, energy, and artistry to every performance. With up-tempo Irish traditional music at their core, The Hooliemen deliver thrilling jigs and reels, heartfelt ballads, tight vocal harmonies, unaccompanied (a cappella) songs, and the unique flair of sean-nós dance. Their set features beautiful renditions of well-known Irish songs as well as high-energy instrumental sets.
Our next production to open in the Wharfeside Theatre is Yorkshire blockbuster Calendar Girls The Musical. The true Wharfedale story of the Calendar Girls launched a global phenomenon, a million copycat calendars, a record-breaking movie, a stage play and now a musical written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow. This is a tale of strong women supporting each other to raise money to defy a disease which touches us all. Expect emotions to run high and a warning: this musical has coined the term "craughing" - the act of crying and laughing at the same time! Calendar Girls The Musical opens on Wednesday 22nd April and runs until Saturday 2nd May.
To book tickets for all our plays and events visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact Ilkley Playhouse box office on 01943 609539.
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