Affectionately known as Yorkshire’s favourite Little Theatre, and situated in the heart of the town, the Playhouse is host to several main stage productions and a few studio productions each year. The Wharfeside theatre holds 148 whilst the Wildman Theatre is a flexible studio often featuring one-night plays and touring companies. Originally erected as the Working Men's Hall in 1876, the former furniture store opened as Ilkley Playhouse in September 1938. Events are often held at the theatre during the Ilkley Literature Festival.