The HandleBards Professional Development Workshop

Lead by the Artistic Directors of the HandleBards, one of the UKs most innovative theatre companies, this workshop will explore their collaborative approach and physical methods of exploring Shakespeare’s text. There will also be a Q&A and a discussion on the HandleBards’ environmental values and carbon conscious approach to their work.

This professional development workshop is targeted at professional performers and experienced community actors aged 18+.

The HandleBards are cycling actors who carry all of the set, props and costume they need to perform extremely energetic, charmingly chaotic and environmentally sustainable Shakespeare plays across the globe.

The company 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, they have grown to become an internationally renowned theatre company, bringing their uniquely irreverent brand of Shakespeare to audiences all over the globe.

During the summer the troupes travel from venue to venue by bicycle to promote healthy living and sustainable transport. In 2014, they won the Edinburgh Fringe Sustainable Practice Award and in 2016 they were shortlisted for the Stage’s inaugural Sustainability Award. In the summer of 2019 they cycled their 10,000th mile.

Part of the Celebrating Shakespeare Festival