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Author: The HandleBards

Having directed seven of our shows over the past four years, it's safe to say that James Farrell knows a thing or two about what makes a great outdoor theatre performance. Now, for the first time ever, he's willing to divulge his secrets for the benefit of all budding theatre directors out there. Without further ado, here are his top

As we're into our fifth week on the road, it seems like a good time to reflect back on the weeks that have passed, and what weeks they've been! Weary legs and tired minds aside this adventure is proving to be the most exceptional I've ever had; but you don't want to hear about the cycling, the weary

Actors with bicycles, whatever next? The thought had this critic a little perplexed. Could they handle their mounts as well as the text, and not have the audience yawning? Well, those lissome young men, in the first flush of youth, had no trouble at all in extracting the truth from our great bard’s poetical dramas, forsooth while the sward with their antics adorning. And since there

Backstage Bards: Steph Withers - Company Manager As Olly Jacques does with our boys troupe, Steph's job is to make sure our all-female tour runs smoothly and successfully! Here is what Steph had to say about all things Shakespeare and bikes!   What, in your experience, is the most important job of a company manager?  Communication, making sure everyone knows what's going on,

Backstage Bards: Rah Petherbridge - Photographer This week's Backstage Bard interview is with our photographer Rah Petherbridge. Born and Raised in Ireland, Rah recieved a fine arts training in Dublin and has been working in London since 2004. Her career in the arts has seen her organising, performing and making theatre.  After gaining a degree from Rose Bruford University in 2013 she has been working

In ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Shakespeare portrays the union of two couples – Hero and Claudio, and Benedick and Beatrice. The latter couple became so famous for their ‘merry war of wit' that for a time this play was simply referred to as 'Beatrice and Benedick.' The original name gives us much more insight into what to expect. ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

Backstage Bards: Olly Jacques - Company Manager This week's Backstage Bard interview is with our Company Manager of the Boys Troupe, Olly Jacques. What does a Company Manager do? Well, Olly has been in rehearsals since day one, keeping on top of everything that is anything to do with the shows. When the tour starts Olly will cycle across the whole of

Backstage Bards: Emma Sampson - Director of Richard III This week's Backstage Bard interview is with the director of Richard III, Emma Sampson. Emma has been with the HandleBards since it all began 3 years ago. Starting as assistant director for our first tour, in 2014 she was became associate director, and last year she co-directed our version of Hamlet. With a CV