Theatre Committee (TC)

The TC is there to ensure the happy, secure running of all key aspects of the Playhouse.  It meets regularly to monitor and discuss any issues arising from the other committees, the ongoing rehearsals, performances, publicity and general house concerns.   It is attended by the Heads of Departments: Artistic Director, Publicity Director, Bar Director, Facilities and Technical Director; and Theatre Manager.

Ian has dipped in and out of amateur and community theatre throughout his life, since starring in a Junior School play to help explain the new decimal currency in 1971!

Most recently being involved as a committee member and actor/director at Addingham Drama Group, Ian has also acted at Keighley Playhouse and now operates predominantly at Ilkley Playhouse, where he acts, and he directs his first production in May 2026.

Ian recently retired after a career as a regional trade union official and hopes to be able to give something back to the Playhouse by helping it develop its appeal to a wider community in the area.

You can read all about Yvette and Damien and their roles as Artistic Directors here

I joined the Playhouse 8 years ago and helped behind the bar for a couple of years before joining the Committee. In 2016 I became Chairman when the then retiring Chairman volunteered me for the role, I was a bit slow taking the pace back!

Our primary responsibility on the Committee is to ensure the bar and coffee bar are open, staffed and stocked whenever required and that they remain profitable, a very important task I’m sure you will all agree.

I am a ‘Club Man’. By that I don’t just mean an ‘Ilkley Playhouse Man’ - whatever club I am a member of I like to support and help that club to progress and prosper. Doing this means I get to know more members than I would otherwise so making my ‘Club Life’ more enjoyable.

I can honestly say that if I had not got involved with Ilkley Playhouse my life would have been the poorer for it. There are a variety of enjoyable and not too onerous opportunities at the Playhouse on the bar or coffee bar, set building, House Managers, programme sellers… Come and join us and help us enrich your life!

Hi, I’m Michael Richardson, and I’ve called Ilkley home for many years. My background is in commercial management and property services, and I’ve spent most of my career helping organisations - big and small - work smarter and get the best out of their teams and resources.

I’ve held senior roles in both the public and private sectors, including time with the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health, where I led projects, managed contracts, and helped deliver real savings and improvements. I’m a Chartered Surveyor by profession, and I’ve always enjoyed finding practical solutions to tricky problems.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about community life and cycling. I’m married to Sadie Richardson, who has been involved with Ilkley Playhouse for over 50 years, and most of you will have seen around the playhouse. I love being part of local initiatives and am excited to support Ilkley Playhouse, which I think is a real gem in our town. Whether it’s working behind the scenes or cheering from the audience, I believe in the power of theatre to bring people together.

If you see me around the Playhouse, please say hello - I’m always up for a chat about new ideas, challenges, local history, or the latest technical developments.       

You can read all about Justine and her role as Theatre Manager here