Bard in the Yard 2024

Enjoy this collaborative pop-up theatre in one of Ilkley's most charming open-air locations for Bard in the Yard '24!

The troupe will perform two half-hour versions of Shakespeare's plays, starting at 2pm and ending around 4:30pm. There will be a 20-minute interval, and timings are approximate.

RICHARD III
Dick Hebbert writes, "Bard '24, for the first time, brings you a history - and what a history it is! Richard III is perhaps the best-known and bloodiest of Shakespeare's historical plays, charting Richard Duke of Gloucester's ruthless rise to the throne of England.
But what goes up must come down, and by the time Richard reaches his goal, the enemies he made getting there are queuing up to get their revenge..."

"And therefore since I cannot prove a lover
To entertain these fair well-spoken days
I am determined to prove a villain."

THE TEMPEST
Andrew Leggott writes, "Magician and deposed Duke Prospero and his daughter Miranda are marooned on an island with its rightful owner, the vengeful Caliban, and the mischievous spirit Ariel.
Fate and conjuring shipwreck their enemies on the same shore, and in half an hour, Prospero is restored, Miranda is betrothed to a handsome Prince, Caliban regains his sovereignty, Ariel is freed to the winds, and a jester and a drunken butler get their comeuppance!
Thought to be Shakespeare’s last solo play, The Tempest retains all his mastery, charm, humour and romance."

Performances will be at 7:30pm on Saturday, 24 August in the Wildman studio at Ilkley Playhouse, and at 2pm on Sunday, 25 and Monday, 26 August in the Ilkley Manor House courtyard. Tickets are £8 for adults and £5 for students.

Click here to buy tickets for the 24 August performance at Ilkley Playhouse.

Click here to buy tickets for the 25 August performance at Ilkley Manor House.

Click here to buy tickets for the 26 August performance at Ilkley Manor House.

The weather has been fine for the past four years of Bard in the Yard, but worry not – in the event of a downpour, the performers can easily transfer to the Playhouse.

Host or Publisher Ilkley Manor House Trust