The Tempest at Shakespeare North Playhouse

Full of magic, mischief and mayhem – The Tempest seems a perfect fit for The Handlebards, the anarchic cycling troupe who have built a reputation for taking Shakespeare’s works and turning them into riotous, laugh-out-loud adventures. This October, they bring their unique brand of pedal-powered theatre to Shakespeare North Playhouse, reimagining the storm and sorcery of one of Shakespeare’s final plays with their trademark blend of comic invention, quick-fire wit and boundless energy.

For more than a decade, The Handlebards have carved out a unique niche in British theatre. Starting life as a group of friends who toured Shakespeare by bicycle, carrying all their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, they’ve grown into a critically acclaimed company whose joyfully irreverent, eco-friendly productions are adored by audiences across the country. Their approach is refreshingly simple: strip away the pomp of traditional Shakespeare and replace it with clowning, creativity and a healthy dose of chaos.

And where better to stage The Tempest than Shakespeare North Playhouse? With its blend of Elizabethan architecture and contemporary energy, the Cockpit Theatre offers the perfect backdrop for Prospero’s island of magic and illusion. The Handlebards’ stripped-back, high-energy style means audiences can expect plenty of playful doubling, ingenious low-fi effects and a few surprises along the way.

At its heart, The Tempest is a story of power, forgiveness and transformation. Prospero, the ousted Duke of Milan, and his daughter Miranda have been exiled to a remote island with only sprites, monsters and books for company. When Prospero conjures a storm to shipwreck his enemies, the new arrivals soon discover that nothing is quite as it seems. It’s a dazzling mix of revenge plots, comic interludes, blossoming romance and magical intervention – all of which provide rich material for The Handlebards’ inventive and environmentally-friendly storytelling.

Whether you’re a Shakespeare devotee or a first-timer, The Tempest promises a joyful night out. Expect laughter, music, mayhem and theatrical magic in spades.