Theatre group returns to pedal Shakespeare

IT’S Shakespeare – but not as you know it, and it’s coming back to Teesdale this summer.

The HandleBards are returning to Raby Castle for a fourth year and this time they will perform an all-female version of As You Like It on Friday, July 28.
The HandleBards are the world’s first cycling theatre company. Since 2013, their two troupes (one all-male, the other all-female) have pedalled more than 6,000 miles across the UK to perform their unique brand of Shakespearean theatre.
Producer Paul Moss said the HandleBards prided themselves on how accessible they’re able to make Shakespeare and his plays.
“The key is not to take it all so seriously,” he said.
“We only ever cast four actors in our productions, for the very reason that it’s nearly impossible to perform a Shakespeare play with just four actors – attempting it always leads to hilarity both on and off stage, it’s really a lot of fun.”
This year marks The HandleBards’ fifth UK summer season, having begun their adventure in 2013 with a 967 mile cycle from Glasgow to London.
Since then, the group have gone from strength-to-strength; they’ve grown from a set of friends with cheap bikes and a rickety old trailer to an internationally successful theatre company which has performed their brand of fast-paced, bicycle-powered Shakespeare in 12 countries across three continents, winning the support of legions of fans, including British bicycle manufacturer Pashley, whose hand-crafted bikes The HandleBards will be riding throughout 2017.
“We’re on a journey to become the world’s front-runners in sustainable theatre,” said Mr Moss.
“This year we’re planting trees to offset 100 per cent of our carbon emissions.
“Climate change needs real advocates, and we’re prepared to be just that for the cultural fields.”
The HandleBards also invite local musicians to play at their shows and encourage localities to see their performances as an opportunity for the whole community to get together over something positive.
“Why not knock on your neighbour’s door and invite them to share a picnic at the show with you?” said Mr Moss.
In addition to the all-female production of As You Like, The HandleBards’ all-male troupe is touring this summer, with A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Rachel Makin, marketing and events supervisor at Raby Castle said she was delighted to welcome the group back again.
“This will be their fourth visit to us and they are always entertaining and popular with audiences.”
The gates open at 5.30pm and the show starts at 6.30pm. Theatregoers should bring their own seats, rugs and picnics.
Tickets are £15 in advance and £17 on the night with U16s free. For more details go to rabycastle.com or call 01833 660202.