The world’s first cycling theatre company, The HandleBards, will stop off at Llanvihangel Court this Saturday as part of their celebratory 5th year anniversary tour, to perform their hit production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In usual HandleBards style, audiences should expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos and a great deal of laughter.

Touring with four actors sharing multiple roles and directed by James Farrell, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed by the company’s all-male troupe, journeying their unique brand of environmentally sustainable, bicycle-powered Shakespeare across the UK from locations in London to Edinburgh. James is an Associate Practitioner at the RSC and regular HandleBards director. His previous directing credits include Pericles (RSC), Animal Farm, Twelfth Night (Royal & Derngate), and Mucky Kid (Theatre503).

To date, The HandleBards have pedalled 6,000 miles and performed to over 50,000 people, across 12 countries and 3 continents. The company engage local communities at their shows, partnering with local businesses and inviting local musicians to play. This year, they are partnering with British bicycle manufacturer Pashley.

In 2014, the company was Winner of the Edinburgh Fringe Sustainable Practice Award from Creative Carbon Scotland, which assessed sustainable design, communication of sustainable message and a high-quality production. They were nominated again in 2015 and in 2016 were commended for ‘consistency in sustainability excellence’ and nominated for The Stage’s inaugural Sustainability Award.

Producer Paul Moss, said: “Climate change is real and we’re running out of time to mitigate the damage we’re doing to our planet. We’re committed to showing people how everyone can play their part, however small. In our fifth year as a bicycle-powered, environmentally sustainable touring troupe, we’ll continue pedalling to become the world’s front-runners in sustainable theatre.”

The HandleBards also have an all-female troupe, who are currently cycling around the country with their new production of As You Like It.