Starting on Wednesday, October 23 is this season’s six-week History of Art course.
From the cave paintings of Altamira to the cinema of Pedro Almadóvar, Spain has an impressive history of visual art. This course offers a selective introduction to that history. Each session considers a major Spanish artist or an artist working in Spain. The emphasis throughout is on the dialogue between tradition and modernity: how old masters such as El Greco, Velázquez and Goya anticipated aspects of modern art and how modern artists like Picasso, Miró and Dalí continued to find inspiration in the work of the Spanish masters. Each session offers an introduction to an aspect of Spanish art and will address specific themes, contexts and artists. The sessions will typically consist of two halves: the first giving a broader overview of an artist’s career; the second an in-depth discussion of a particular artwork. The course runs from 10.30am till 12 noon every week and is great value at £42 for the six-week course.
Popular Celtic folk trio band Roisin Ban return to Ilkley Playhouse on Friday, November 1st for an evening of lively, Celtic folk music and song. Playing a mix of traditional Irish and Scottish folk songs and tunes, this accomplished band is well-respected on the UK folk scene.
Our first Stagefright Comedy Club of the season takes place on Saturday, November 2nd. The event will be frontlined by Mick Ferry who is renowned as a fine purveyor of surrealism and voted best UK Stand-Up in a national poll of his peers. Mick has starred in The Comedy Store for Comedy Central, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Edinburgh Comedy Fest, The World Stands Up aswell as the Ken Loach film Looking for Eric. Joining him will be comedian Karl Porter – a fantastic natural born gagster from the North-West England. A ‘Lad of the Year’ nominee, you can’t but help love his cheeky and unique self-deprecation, laced with tall tales and hilarious observations. Stevie Cairns will also be performing, described as having ‘an immediately likeable stage presence, delivering inventive storytelling material and memorable punchlines’. Joining them will be Andy Ellis, described as ‘one of the best new acts around’ (Micky P Kerr – Britain’s Got Talent Finalist). The event will be compered by Anthony J Brown.
Our next Wharfeside Theatre production is moving and heartfelt play The Herd, opening on Thursday, November 7th. Carol, a harried matriarch in suburban London, has arranged a small family party to celebrate the 21st birthday of her son Andy who has profound disabilities. But as everyone begins to gather, things go off the rails as two surprise guests pop up – one a newcomer and one all too familiar. With a deft comic touch, The Herd introduces us to three generations of a spirited middle class family confronting the possibilities of reconciliation, the power of the past and the irresistible pull of family. The Herd reveals, with clarity and compassion, the profound emotional impact that the constant fight to look after Andy has taken on his nearest and dearest over the years. The play is written by talented actor Rory Kinnear from his own personal experience of growing up with a sister with learning difficulties. This sharp and witty play turns a familial comedy into something personal and heartfelt. It opens the doors to encourage a thoroughly natural discourse surrounding not only those with disabilities but their families too and the struggles and often hushed aspects and strains they have on relationships. Expect a vivid and unsentimental portrait of domestic life, flecked with wry humour. The play runs until November 16th.
On Friday, November 22nd a group of five of the finest musicians around today make their debut performance at Ilkley Playhouse. Stony Jazz are purveyors of songs from the Great American Songbook. Their set includes instantly recognisable songs from swing to blues and ballads to Latin, which are performed with style, energy and entertainment.
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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