Bard in the Yard 2026 - 31/08/26

An Ilkley Playhouse Fringe Production

Enjoy this collaborative pop-up theatre in one of Ilkley's most charming open-air locations for Bard in the Yard '26 - the seventh year of this outstanding event!

The Ilkley Playhouse troupe will perform two shortened versions of Shakespeare's plays, played in minimalist style, letting the words speak for themselves. There are two performances in the Ilkley Manor House courtyard on Sunday, 30 August and Bank Holiday Monday, 31 August, starting at 2pm and ending around 4pm. There will be a 20-minute interval, and timings are approximate.

The Merchant of Venice
Dick Hebbert writes:
For Bard ’26, we travel to Italy with The Merchant of Venice. Officially classed as one of Shakespeare’s comedies, the play is often seen today as raising issues that are far from light-hearted. What it does offer, however, are two of Shakespeare’s great roles, one male and one female, in Shylock and Portia, along with a wealth of memorable speeches and a full range of emotions, from laughter to anger to pity. Often described as a “difficult” play, torn between the issues it raises and the story it tells, the great John Barton called it “flawed, contradictory, human.” Come and decide for yourself.

Much Ado About Nothing
Andrew Leggott writes:
More straightforwardly comic, Much Ado About Nothing is best remembered for the lively and constant sparring between Benedick and Beatrice, Shakespeare’s great “will they, won’t they?” pair of reluctant lovers. In contrast, Claudio and Hero fall quickly in love, though their relationship is almost destroyed on their wedding day through the scheming of the villainous Don John, who acts simply for his own amusement. Add a bumbling Night Watch, led by the incompetent yet unforgettable Constable Dogberry, and you have all the ingredients for superb entertainment. How do we manage it in around 40 minutes?”

Ticket Information
Tickets are £8 for general admission, and £5 for students (please bring ID). You can purchase tickets online via TicketTailor or in person at the Box Office on weekends when Ilkley Manor House is open.

Sunday tickets (30th August) - Click here to buy tickets for the Sunday performance at the Ilkley Manor House Courtyard.

Monday tickets (31st August) - Buy tickets for Monday using the link on this event page

Alternative date: Click here to buy tickets for the 29 August performance at Ilkley Playhouse.

• Tickets are £8 for general admission, and £5 for students (please bring ID). You can purchase tickets online via TicketTailor or in person at the Box Office on weekends when Ilkley Manor House is open.
• This event sells out very quickly, and so we recommend buying tickets in advance!

Accessibility Information
This event will take place outside in the Ilkley Manor House courtyard. There are several benches which eash seat up to five people, as well as boxes, and chairs. The Castle Yard area is cobbled and so can be uneven in places. In the case of inclement weather, the performance will relocate to Ilkley Playhouse and take place indoors.