What's on at Ilkley Playhouse

The play is a delightfully uplifting and enchanting piece of theatre, based on the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a soprano singer in 1940s New York who whose pitch was far from perfect, but who was the performer that everyone wanted to see. This is a hilarious and heart-warming comedy and an affectionate tribute to the eccentric, courageous and joyously happy Florence Foster Jenkins, who paid little attention to her critics as she screeched her way through the evening to an audience who mostly fell about with laughter.

Glorious! opens in the Wharfeside Theatre on June 20 (Image: Ilkley Playhouse)

The play, which premiered at the Birmingham Rep in 2005 and transferred to the West End, ran for over two hundred performances. The play spins from Florence’s charity recitals and extravagant balls, through to her bizarre recording sessions and an ultimate triumph at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York in 1944, where she played to a packed house of three thousand people. Florence’s story teaches us about the power of self-belief and the beauty of pursuing our passions with enthusiasm. Her resilience in the face of criticism reminds us that true greatness lies not in perfection, but in embracing who we are. You are sure to leave the theatre feeling joyful, uplifted and with a warm glow in your heart. The play runs until Saturday, June 29.

As part of National Refugee Week, Amnesty International is delighted to be screening the 2023 Ken Loach film The Old Oak in the Wharfeside Theatre this Sunday, June 23 at 7.30pm. The Old Oak pub is the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once-thriving mining community in North-East England. The Landlord is hanging on to the pub by a thread but his hold becomes increasingly endangered when the pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees. Following the screening there will be a discussion about the film in the bar and information will be available from the local Amnesty International branch.

We end this season with some fantastic musical events. Firstly, on Friday, July 5, prepare to be transported on a remarkable musical journey as Fleetwood Shack makes its debut performance at Ilkley Playhouse. Featuring an impressive repertoire of the biggest and most beloved Fleetwood Mac hits, such as ‘Don’t Stop’, ‘Go Your Own Way’, ‘Little Lies’, ‘Everywhere’, ‘Landslide’ and many more, this show guarantees to immerse you in a captivating, nostalgic and unforgettable experience.

The following evening, Saturday, July 6, Lee Newsome performs Elvis ‘Up Close and Personal’. Lee has been performing his tribute to the King for four years and currently tours the UK in various theatres and clubs. Lee’s stunning powerhouse vocals and attention to detail, with suits made by the person who made Elvis’ suits, are simply second to none. The show is an unforgettable, jaw-dropping experience from start to finish, with customised projection visuals and indoor special effects.

On Friday, July 19 Voodoo Room returns to Ilkley Playhouse. Paying tribute to some of the greatest names in rock history, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Cream, Voodoo Room is a stunning power-trio featuring some of the UK’s finest musicians. A world-class show, put together in total appreciation of the massive pioneers of classic blues and rock. Hear all the classics including Strange Brew, Hey Joe, Sunshine of Your Love, Fire, Watchtower, Layla, Purple Haze, Foxy Lady and many more.

On Saturday, July 20 Spandesque Ballet will take you straight back to the 1980s as they recreate that distinctive sound of the New Romantics era with their amazing performance of Spandau Ballet hits. Playing live, this fantastic six-piece band will take you back in time on a nostalgic musical journey. With hits such as the electro-pop debut single To Cut a Long Story Short, the sing-a-long ballad True, the powerful anthem Through the Barricades, the dance floor fillers Communication and Chant No.1, as well as the biggest Spandau Ballet hit Gold, there's plenty of great music in this show to remind you just how great the 1980s were for producing timeless classics!

The final play of the season, Honour, opens on July 8 in the Wildman Studio. George and Honour have been happily married for 32 years. They have a perfect understanding of each other until a beautiful female journalist, sent to profile columnist George, methodically sets out to challenge that understanding. With love, hope and raw emotion, Honour tells this affecting tale of thoughtless conceit from the perspective of the three women involved. This frank, honest play cannot fail to move anyone who has ever put their trust in another human being. The play runs until Saturday, July 13.

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