Ilkley Playhouse

STAGEFRIGHT comedy nights at Ilkley Playhouse have a loyal local audience. Aficionados keep coming back because they know they’re in for a guaranteed great night of laughter, regardless of whether you know all the names in the line-up.

However you may know Mitch Benn from The One Show’s recurring feature The Complaints Choir, or from satirical programmes such as Radio 4’s The Now Show, on which he was a regular for several years, or BBC2’s Bremner, Bird And Fortune. His comedy is largely song-based, often with a satirical or political flavour, although don’t be concerned that you’ll be subject to political haranguing – it’s kept light. He’s a renowned Beatles obsessive, but his music covers a lot of bases. And of course, as with most music, it’s even better live.

Also featuring this month is Ruth E. Cockburn. She’s a tough act to define – “slightly surreal social commentary” is a starting point – although you can glean a flavour from the names of her recent projects, which include Knees Bent Bras Off Ra Ra Ra and Love Letters from Blackpool. She’s recently been nominated for Best New Show at Leicester Comedy Festival, and made the Top 10 list of Shows to See at the Edinburgh Festival. So join us on Saturday, September 28 for top comedy night out!

Also coming to the Wildman studio at Ilkley Playhouse later in the month is The Rags to Rhinestones Story – An Evening with Dolly Parton. Miss Julia Martin, the UK’s top Dolly impersonator, takes us through La Parton’s extensive back catalogue. Come along and join her on Friday, September 27 for an evening of warmth, humour and great songs.

Our current production of Intimate Exchanges, Volume 1 by Alan Ayckbourn is getting great reviews, and there may still be tickets left for the last few performances. This comedy is one to brighten your September evenings and carry through a little of that light Summer feeling. It’s a story told with many characters but just two actors: one not to miss!

Make a date for a great evening out at Ilkley Playhouse – bookings for all productions and events can be made at www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or by calling 01943 609539.

Claire Emmott