ILKLEY Literature Festival has announced a new event for its epic 17-day line-up of author talks and creative workshops.

‘Performing Comedy: A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ will explore one of Shakespeare’s most popular and influential plays.

Led by University of Leeds academics Dr José A. Pérez Díez and Dr Jane Rickard, the session (at All Saints Church, Ilkley on Saturday, October 5, £8/£5) will showcase how we can learn new things about Shakespeare’s plays experimenting with different possibilities for staging. The event includes the chance to take part in improvised performances.

Erica Morris, Acting Director of Ilkley Literature Festival, said: “This event is the perfect opportunity to explore one of Shakespeare’s best loved comedies. Expect to laugh, but also to reflect critically on what makes us laugh, and why. We really hope GSCE and A Level students in particular will come along and make the most of our offer for under 25’s who can book tickets for just £5.”

Ilkley Literature Festival’s key partner is the University of Leeds through the Cultural Institute, bringing University academics to audiences to share their research and expertise. Staff from across the University are giving talks on topics ranging from the beers of Yorkshire to dinosaurs.

Events at the festival are already selling out, with some being moved to accommodate popular demand. Additional tickets have been put on sale for Mike Berners-Lee’s event exploring practical ways to tackle global crisis like climate change as well as for host of BBC Radio 4’s the Week at Westiminster Steve Richards who will be looking at the lives of Prime Ministers from Harold Wilson to Theresa May. An additional extra with Ben Aitken has also been added to the programme – Ben will be talking about his time living in Poland.

With many events close to selling out, audiences are advised to book soon to avoid disappointment.

Visit www.ilkleylitfest.org.uk