Upstagers

Upstagers Upstagers is a youth theatre group based in Ilkley. We typically put on two main shows a year - a panto in late January and a musical in mid July.

We also run classes in Drama, Singing and Performance through our Upstagers Academy. Upstagers has been providing a creative outlet for youngsters in Ilkley and the surrounding district for over 30 years, delivering quality performance arts training. All participants get the most out of their experience by building confidence and developing communication skills, whilst also having a lot of fun and

meeting new friends. The Upstagers Academy provides educational and fun classes that cover most aspects of the performing arts for kids aged 5 years upwards and our show production team provides opportunities for youngsters to be involved in and learn about the process of producing and performing a show on a stage.

28/08/2026

🌱 THE COUNTDOWN IS ON… 👀🎭

Dame Trott is back back, back again!

If you’ve been thinking about joining us for Jack and the Beanstalk, this is your sign. 🌱✨

Whether you’re dreaming of stepping into a principal role or fancy being part of our fantastic ensemble, we’d love to see you at auditions. And you absolutely don’t need years of experience — just bring your enthusiasm, energy and a love of performing!

🎭 Ensemble auditions: Sunday 6th September
⭐ Principal auditions: Tuesday 8th September

And don’t forget… registration closes at 11pm on Monday 31st August! ⏰

So, if you’ve ever fancied treading the boards, making new friends and becoming part of our 8-time award-winning pantomime family, now is the time to take that leap! 💚

👀 Watch the video, get yourself registered and come join the Upstagers adventure!

✨ Something magical is growing… and we want YOU to be part of it.

📝 Register here ⬇️
[upstagers.org.uk/panto/](https://upstagers.org.uk/panto/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

21/08/2026

Have you heard? Our Dame has something to say… 👀🎭

If you’ve ever fancied treading the boards, making new friends and being part of an 8-time award-winning pantomime, now’s your chance!

🌱Jack and the Beanstalk auditions are taking place in early September, and we’d love to welcome both familiar faces and brand new ones to the Upstagers family.

🎭 Ensemble auditions: Sunday 6th September
⭐ Principal auditions: Tuesday 8th September

Whether you’re hoping for a principal role or want to be part of our brilliant ensemble, there’s a place for performers of all experience levels. Don’t be shy – give the video a watch and come and join the fun!

📝 Please register by 11pm on Monday 31st August.

If you have any questions, just drop us a message – we’re always happy to help.

✨ Adventure awaits.... and something magical is growing.

Register here ⬇️\
https://upstagers.org.uk/panto/

That’s a wrap on our 2 phenomenal summer workshops! ☀️ We had the BEST time producing 2 incredible showcases with our st...
10/08/2026

That’s a wrap on our 2 phenomenal summer workshops! ☀️ We had the BEST time producing 2 incredible showcases with our students. Time for a well earned rest before Upstagers Academy returns in September! WELL DONE TO OUR AMAZING CASTS 🩵

Yesterday we started our second workshop week, Rotten to the Core! This cast is beyond incredible, smashing through most...
04/08/2026

Yesterday we started our second workshop week, Rotten to the Core! This cast is beyond incredible, smashing through most of their show material in a day and a half! We can’t wait for showcase day! 💚💜🖤

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AUDITIONS – SEPTEMBER 2026 🌱🫘Have you signed up for our 2027 pantomime auditions yet? 🌟Following ...
29/07/2026

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AUDITIONS – SEPTEMBER 2026 🌱🫘

Have you signed up for our 2027 pantomime auditions yet? 🌟

Following our incredible achievement of winning Best Pantomime at the Wharfedale Festival of Theatre Awards for the eighth year in a row, we’re so excited to bring Jack and the Beanstalk to the stage in January 2027!

Our auditions will take place on Sunday 6th September, and whether you’re a returning performer or thinking of joining us for the first time, we’d love to see you there. We’re looking to cast our principal roles and our fantastic ensemble groups.

Please complete the audition registration form (link below) by 11pm on Monday 31st August.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop us a message.

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU! ✨

Register here⬇️

https://upstagers.org.uk/panto/

🌟 Yesterday saw the start of our first summer school week! 🌟 We’ve already started rehearsals for our showcase at the en...
28/07/2026

🌟 Yesterday saw the start of our first summer school week! 🌟
We’ve already started rehearsals for our showcase at the end of the week and this cast is beyond incredible! 💗🐕 👛💄

🍎🏆 WHAT A NIGHT FOR SNOW WHITE! 🏆🍎We’re absolutely thrilled to share the results from Saturday night’s Wharfedale Festiv...
27/07/2026

🍎🏆 WHAT A NIGHT FOR SNOW WHITE! 🏆🍎

We’re absolutely thrilled to share the results from Saturday night’s Wharfedale Festival of Theatre Awards, where our 2026 pantomime Snow White received an incredible collection of awards — including Best Pantomime! 🎭✨

🏆 Best Pantomime
🏆 Best Principal Girl – Amy-Pearl Watt
🏆 Best Dame – Mike Riley
🏆 Best Villain – Daisy Button
🏆 Best Choreographer – Laura Williams (joint winner)
🏆 Best Director – John Clark, Andrew Hewitt & Joey Wilby
🏆 Best Programme – Andrew & Daisy Tarbett
⭐ Wharfie Awards – Constance Hardisty, Emily Gardner, Daisy McLoughlin, Ralph Smeaton, Joseph Smith, Polly Knight, Sophie Griffin, Harriet Joyner, Jess Dawson, Josie Nevison, Jessica Murphy, Lucy Murphy, Matilda Hitchcock & Bea Easter

We couldn’t be prouder of everyone who helped bring Snow White to the stage. Panto is a huge team effort, so these awards belong not only to those whose names are on the certificates, but to our entire cast, crew and creative team, and all the volunteers working behind the scenes who give so much of their time, energy and enthusiasm to Upstagers. ❤️

And a huge thank you to the Wharfedale Festival of Theatre and its committee and assessors. The Festival exists to celebrate and encourage amateur theatre across our area, bringing societies together and encouraging us all to support one another’s work — something that feels increasingly important.

Winning the Panto Cup for the eighth time is the icing on a very large cake, and we’re enormously grateful to everyone who has been part of those productions over the years.

Congratulations, too, to all the societies, performers and creatives nominated and recognised on Saturday night. It was wonderful to spend an evening celebrating just how much talent, hard work and enthusiasm there is in local theatre.

Thank you, WFT — and thank you to our Upstagers family! ❤️🎭

11/07/2026

Aaaand that’s a wrap on The Addams Family🖤💀

What a wonderfully weird week it’s been! From the first rehearsal to our final curtain call, it’s been an absolute joy bringing this creepy, kooky family back to life.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along to support us, cheered us on, shared our posts, and made this production so special. Your support means the world to our cast, crew and everyone behind the scenes.✨

Now it’s time for us to creep back into our graves… until next time🕷️🪦🖤

It’s our final day in the graveyard🪦Today is your last chance to catch The Addams Family at the King’s Hall, Ilkley, bef...
11/07/2026

It’s our final day in the graveyard🪦

Today is your last chance to catch The Addams Family at the King’s Hall, Ilkley, before we creep back into our crypts.

We’ve had an absolute scream bringing this show to life, and we’d love to see you there for one final performance.

There are still tickets available for both today’s shows:
💀1:30pm
💀6:30pm

Don’t ghost us… grab your tickets now via the link below before they disappear! 🖤

https://www.ticketsource.com/upstagers/the-addams-family/e-mjarbp

The Addams Family archives💀Our cast and crew are having so much fun bringing this show back to life. It’s full of creepy...
10/07/2026

The Addams Family archives💀

Our cast and crew are having so much fun bringing this show back to life. It’s full of creepy, kooky chaos and is one you really don’t want to miss!

We’ve only got 3 shows left - Friday, Saturday matinee and Saturday evening - so make sure you grab your tickets now before we head back to our graves💀

Book now via the link below⬇️

P.S. Keep an eye on our stories this evening… there could be some BTS show chaos 👀🕷️🖤

https://www.ticketsource.com/upstagers/the-addams-family/e-mjarbp

Address

Rear Midland Hotel, Station Road
Ilkley
LS298HA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441943604792

Website

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