The Handlebards

Experiencing The Theatre Journey, With Both Hands

When you mix theatre with a sense of adventure, the whole process becomes something special.

Shelley Theatre
Aug 8, 2017 · 2 min read

This is something that production company, The HandleBards have firmly grabbed, with both hands.

The company performs Shakespeare throughout the country whilst travelling to each venue via bike. They are the world’s first cycling theatre touring company.

Producer, Paul Moss commented, “This started in 2013 with four friends who wanted a sense of adventure but also wanted to keep theatre at its heart. None of us started as avid cyclists, just people who loved theatre and this sense of creating unique experiences.”

“It is exhausting, but it is extremely rewarding. You can’t work any harder where you have to cycle for 20 to 30 miles a day, six day a week, with everything piece of equipment we need.”

“All actors work extremely hard to get to each venue and then perform. We have to get there on time, or the show will not happen. The planning has to be precise.”

The UK tour brings The Handlebards to the south coast during August, where they will perform As You Like It at Shelley Theatre, on Friday 25th August.

Paul is particularly looking forward to the coastal route of the 2017 tour, “This is going to be a lovely route along the south coast to cycle. Prior to Shelley Theatre, we are making our way over from Lyme Regis, Bridport and Dorchester. After Shelley, we are off to Beaulieu and Southampton. Then it’s our route back to London.”

“The roads we cycle on have to be tarmac and a lot of this is within A-roads. With the amount of equipment we have, we just can’t risk any rough terrain. This could put the whole tour in jeopardy.”

With 80 shows scheduled during 2017, what is a test on resilience and energy, is also testament to bringing a new way of performance to many different audiences throughout the UK.

To book your place for As You Like It, on Friday 25th August, click here.

Shelley Theatre

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Shelley Theatre is the theatre on your doorstep you never knew about. From film to performances, come and see how we're bringing this historic building alive.

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