The HandleBards, the world’s first bicycle-powered Shakespearean actors will be pedalling to the Cramlington site on the evening of Thursday 11th August to woo the region’s lover of Shakespeare with their laugh-out-loud performance of Twelfth Night.
High drama at iconic landmark this August
There’s going to be high drama at Northumberlandia this August as two outdoor theatre companies head to the region to entertain members of the public.
Twelfth Night © The HandleBards.
Written between 1601 and 1602, the play is Shakespeare’s hilarious yet heartbreaking tale of unrequited love. It features a young woman (Viola) who disguises herself as a man under the name of Cesario and then becomes entangled in the courtship of two aristocrats. The tale, which is a bit like a 17th version of EastEnders, upends conventions of romance and gender roles and it’s all under the watchful eye of one of the north east’s most famous landmarks.
The troupe of actors who pedal from venue to venue with the set, props and costumes on their bicycles, specialise in open-air theatre across the globe whatever the weather. In previous years, the site on Blagdon Lane has hosted performances of As You It, Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing.
Awful Auntie. Illustration © Tony Ross 2014. Licensed by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
If Shakespeare doesn’t appeal, for the second year running, on Sunday 28th August Heartbreak Productions will be performing another adaptation of a book by David Walliams.
Last year it was Mr Stink, this year it’s Awful Auntie, the story of Stella Saxby, the sole heir to Saxby Hall, who is plagued by her awful Aunt Alberta and her giant owl. Both Aunt Alberta and Wagner the owl will stop at nothing to take her inheritance from her, however both are met with resistance from Stella and a ghost named Soot who turns out to be her late uncle whom she never knew existed.
Frances Smile, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Events Officer says: “We know that more people are staying at home this summer to either save money or save themselves the hassle of train cancellations and flight delays, so, what better way to enjoy the summer than with a trip to one of the outdoor theatre events?
“So, bring your fizz, low level table and chairs, marvel at the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a great evening of dramatic entertainment.”
BOOK TICKETS:
Book The Handlebards 'Twelfth Night'.
Book David Walliams 'Awful Auntie' by Heartbreak Productions.