PRODUCTIONS are taking centre stage at Keighley Playhouse once again.

The pandemic scuppered the normal playhouse season, when typically seven plays are performed.

Whilst members remained active – improvements have been carried out to facilities front of house and backstage, including the addition of UV-C sterilisation units to the air conditioning system to eliminate any airborne bacteria – the curtains have stayed closed and seats empty.

But now the playhouse is preparing to welcome back audiences and is turning to the reliable comedic wit of Alan Bennett for the ‘relaunch’, following its enforced 18-month absence.

Three one-act plays from the Talking Heads series will be performed, under the directorship of Kevin Moore, between October 11 and 16.

“Monologues are perfect fodder for audiences that have been away from theatre due to lockdown and what better way to return than with a masterclass in the art of anecdotes and narratives by Alan Bennett?” said a playhouse spokesperson.

“Bennett is a connoisseur in storytelling and Talking Heads has lost none of its impact on audiences, as the phrases resurrect themselves like benevolent ghosts from the past.

“The three monologues we have chosen – A Lady of Letters, Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet and A Chip in the Sugar – are arguably Bennett’s best in this series. Three exciting and very funny plays for the price of one!”

A Chip in the Sugar sees Graham Whittaker’s life further complicated when his mother reunites with an old flame, Frank Turnbull. Is Frank about to propose marriage and does that mean Graham will have to move out? But what secret is being kept by Frank?

In A Lady of Letters, Irene Ruddock is not afraid to speak – or write – her mind. After one too many letters to those in authority, Irene is sent to prison.

And Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet tells the story of a lonely department store clerk working in soft furnishings. Her one joy is visiting her chiropodist, Mr Dunderdale. What has she been missing all her life and should she stop caring what other people might think?

Tickets are available by calling the box office on 07599 890769. Card payments are now accepted in person or by phone.