The HandleBards Present: Twelfth Night 

If music be the food of love, cycle on…  

Written by William Shakespeare | Directed by James Farrell 

The hugely popular Shakespearean troupe are back with another bicycle-powered tour to outdoor venues and open-air theatres across the UK this summer. From Bude to Bolton, Inverness to the Isle of Wight, The HandleBards are to reprise their hit production of Shakespeare’s classic comedy Twelfth Night with drunkenness, frivolity and cross-dressing aplenty.  

Committed to providing environmentally-friendly entertainment across the country, The HandleBards will be travelling over 1500 miles by bicycle with set, props and costumes following in their 100% electric support vehicle (plus a brief diversion - by train - to Germany’s hugely popular Shakespeare Festival).  

Artistic Director Tom Dixon said “I’m thrilled to be launching our biggest ever UK tour which will play more than 100 dates across the summer months. If you’re in need of a good laugh and want an excuse to bring your loved ones together, our irreverent take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy will provide just that. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your picnic and cross your fingers for some Great British sunshine!” 

The HandleBards began with a sense of adventure, a love of Shakespeare and a nifty little pun. Since four fearless friends pedalled Twelfth Night to twenty UK venues in 2013, the company has grown to become an internationally renowned theatre company, bringing a charmingly chaotic brand of Shakespeare to audiences all over the globe. The HandleBards travel by bike because they care about the planet and want to promote sustainability and healthy living. They have won the Edinburgh Fringe Sustainable Practice Award, were nominated for The Stage’s inaugural Sustainability Award and have cycled over 12,000 miles to date.  

James Farrell is a freelance theatre director who has worked on the West-End, at the Chichester Festival Theatre and at the Royal Shakespeare Company.  James also facilitates educational workshops and activities.  James is the Artistic Director of Nameless Theatre and an Associate Practitioner at the Royal Shakespeare Company. 

The HandleBards will be cycling to Calderstones Park for their performance of Twelfth Night on Sunday 31 July, 7pm. Tickets are on sale now - book here. 

Running Time: 100 minutes | Suitable for ages 8+

“An exceptional touring production” ★★★★★ The Stage (on Twelfth Night)