Outdoor Theatre Tours Yorkshire By Bike This Summer

Cycling Shakespearean troupe, The Handlebards will pedal themselves across Yorkshire next month, setting the stage for a unique Summer of outdoor theatre in God’s own county.

The two-wheeling low carbon 10th anniversary tour will see the mini peloton power themselves plus all their props over 1500 miles across the UK. They will stop off at Yorkshire castles, gardens and open-air theatres en-route to deliver al-fresco dramatic performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Their first Yorkshire destination is the Richard Whiteley Theatre on Wednesday 2 August. This unique outdoor theatre is located in the beautiful market town of Settle in the stunning grounds of Giggleswick School. They will then pedal on to the Workhouse Museum in Ripon on 3 August, Bolton Castle near Leyburn on 4 August and Kiplin Hall and Gardens in Richmond on 5 August.

The innovative and eco-minded troupe will perform Shakespeare’s most famous romantic comedy for lucky audiences: Two lovers find themselves enveloped in the dream-like arms of a magical forest full of sprites where a feuding Fairy King and Queen are at war over the possession of an Indian boy. A group of amateur actors share the same forest. They’re rehearsing for a play, fairies and humans collide. Hilarity ensues. 

Yorkshire’s fabulous Summer of outdoor theatre continues with the chance to bring your own feast as you join Slapstick Picnic for a fun loving production of PETER PAN. Following a whistle-stop tour of Yorkshire including Huddersfield, York and Richmond, their grand Yorkshire finale will be staged at the Richard Whiteley Theatre in Settle on Wednesday 30 August.

Celebrating silliness, this must-see Summer production is not just for kids. Ripping up the recipe book and whipping up a bonkers, three-actor production of this classic family play, audiences are invited to tuck into a picnic and join in the fun.

Let your imagination soar as they dish out this timeless tale of hapless pirates, feral children and a particularly punctual reptile. Their brilliant buffoonery will have picnickers of all ages cackling into their coleslaw.

Michael Offland, Theatre Manager at the Richard Whiteley Theatre in Settle, said: "We can’t wait to welcome you to our amazing Summer season of al-fresco theatre – guaranteed to have the whole family laughing in their deckchairs. Bring everyone together for a special outdoor evening out or join us from further afield and combine a show with exploring the Yorkshire Dales, taking in the delight of our market towns, attractions and limitless opportunities for outdoor pursuits.”

The full Summer theatre line up and booking details for the Richard Whiteley Theatre are HERE

To see the full Yorkshire itinerary for The Handlebards CLICK HERE and Slapstick Picnic please CLICK HERE

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Header Image: Peter Pan (Charlotte Driessler, Lucy Green and William Ross-Fawcett) (Image: Tom Dixon)