The Handlebards Touring Theatre

handlebards performing on open air stage

Introducing the Handlebards, the UK’s quirkiest theatre group! Watch the events of Shakespearean theatre unfold by a troupe of actors who cycle from venue to venue all over the UK. Each outdoor performance is located at some of the most beautiful gardens, castles, and stately homes in the country.

This year’s bicycle-powered, laugh-out-loud production is s A Midsummer Night’s Dream! We can tell you’ve probably got LOTS of questions about this wacky production. So, keep reading to find out who the Handlebards are and where their next five shows will be premiered….

Who are the Handlebards?

May we introduce to you, the cycling Shakespearean actors who carry all of their sets, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, to each venue they visit.

This extremely unique and energetic troupe of actors perform hilarious, charmingly chaotic and environmentally sustainable Shakespeare plays across the UK. These actors specialise in open-air theatre shows, but they will go wherever their bicycle wheels take them!

The Shakespearean troupe have previously performed in theatres, castles, gardens, bicycle shops, pub gardens and schools. You name it, they’ve probably performed there!

What shows will the Handleboards perform in 2023?

handlebard actors performing on a balcony

Tickets are now on sale for A Midsummer Night’s Dream! The troupe will cycle to outdoor venues across the UK in 2023. You can also watch Much Ado About Nothing, which will be bought to indoor theatres near you throughout the year.

What Play Are The Handlebards Performing?

handlebards performance outside a stately home

First, let’s discuss what you will be watching at these breathtaking locations.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most terrific tales about Four young lovers who find themselves lost in a magical forest… There is also a Fairy King and Queen fighting for a changeling boy’s possession. Sound gripping right?

This group of amateur actors will head to the same enchanted forest to rehearse for a play. In this story, humans and fairies collide and the rest is a mystery… Until you get tickets to watch the show that is!

Find out what happens to the love-square in one of many dazzling performances from the Handlebards. Check out all their locations below…

5 Upcoming Handlebards Shows in 2023…

If one thing is for certain it’s that Handlebards are booked everywhere! These touring theatrical stars will grace beautiful and ancient landscapes all over the UK from May onwards. Here are just some of their upcoming shows.

For the full list head to their website and find an outdoor production near you: https://www.handlebards.com/tickets/

handlebards performing using instruments

Oasis Farm Waterloo

Head over to the hidden gem and urban oasis that is Oasis Farm Waterloo! Kicking off their first Midsummer Nigh’s Dream performance on the 22nd of May 2023, The Handlebards will take to the stage and act out A Midsummer Night’s Dream…

Location Get directions

18 Carlisle Ln, London SE1 7LG

Opening Times

May 22nd @ 7:00 pm

Pricing

Standard ticket: £19.50

Under 18's ticket: £12.50

Under 10's ticket: FREE

Find out more

handlebard actors out of costume on their bikes

Norwich Theatre

Opened for the first time in 1758, Theatre Royal has been a staple of the arts and culture of Norwich for centuries. The grand 1300-seat venue has played host to some of the biggest names and productions in touring theatre and now it welcomes the Handlebards!

Location Get directions

Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL

Opening Times

May 23rd @ 7:30 pm

Pricing

Standard Ticket: £17

Over 60’s/Under 18’s– £13.00

Schools– £9.50

Under 12’s– £6.00

Find out more

Northborough Manor

Get ready for an eccentric performance at one of the finest medieval houses in England! This ancient Lincolnshire home even passed through the hands of Oliver Cromwell during the civil war. It’s now a beautiful home which will become the exquisite scenery for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Location Get directions

Northborough, Peterborough PE6 9BJ

Opening Times

May 24th @ 7:00 pm

Pricing

Standard ticket for general admission: £ 20.50

Find out more

handlebard actors performing a scene from Macbeth

Stow Hall Gardens

If you’re looking for the perfect open-air theatre backdrop it’s got to be Stow Hall Gardens! This Victorian garden offers beautiful surroundings like the Old Rose Garden, an enormous conservatory, a great greenhouse, and a pond. Although the house was demolished, the breathtaking gardens remain and will become the ultimate stage for the beloved cycling theatre company.

Location Get directions

Stow Bardolph, King's Lynn PE34 3HU

Opening Times

May 25th @ 7:00 pm

Pricing

Early Bird discount tickets are limited and available until 30th April 2023.
£ 16.50

Standard ticket for general admission: £19.50

Under 18's Ticket for audience members aged 10-17: £ 12.50

Under 10's Only one free ticket per paid ticket

Under 9's ticket: £0.00

Find out more

Luton Hoo Estate

Watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream unfold on the grounds of a Victorian Farm! The Luton Hoo Estate has everything from solar farms to seasonal events, and a stunning walled garden.

Location Get directions

Farm Rd, Luton LU1 3TQ

Opening Times

May 26th @ 7:00 pm

Pricing

Early Bird ticket: £16.50

Standard ticket: £19.50

Under 18's: £12.50

Under 10's: FREE

Find out more

So, now you’re familiar with who the handlebars are, where they go, and how they operate as a unique theatre company, all that’s left to do is book some tickets! As you may have guessed from the five upcoming theatre shows we have mentioned, the pricing differs depending on the venue.

Looking for unique attractions? Whether it’s immersive experiences like Dopamine Land or Dreamland Imaginarium or other quirky events like Flavourscapes Food Market, there are lots of great days out to discover on our Hub page.

If you’re a lover of all things Shakespeare then why not check out some of the Shakespeare’s Trust locations like Anne Hathway’s Cottage or Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon?

If you’re a lover of theatre in general make sure to check out our Pantomimes Near Me article or check out what London Theatre is on offer. We love the look of Moulin Rouge The Musical and Matilda The Musical!

Looking for more things to do around the UK? We have over 7000 attractions on our site to choose from as well as thousands of articles to help inspire you.