The Handlebards

The HandleBards are the world’s first cycling theatre company, who carry all of their set props and costumes on the back of their bicycles, performing charmingly chaotic Shakespeare plays at outdoor venues all across the UK. 

Cycling right into Oxford this weekend to perform The Tempest at Pegasus on Saturday you can look forward to a riotous bicycle powered production of Shakespearean tragi-comedy filled with magic, musicality and mayhem. 


The company began life in 2013 as a group of entrepreneurial friends with a shared passion for sustainability and travelling theatre.

Since then they have cycled over 10,000 miles across the whole of the UK, performing to over 70,000 people in castles, gardens, museums, bicycle yards and public amphitheatres. This summer they are touring the UK with an all-male production of Much Ado About Nothing and an all-female production of The Tempest.

The cast consists of only four actors, which results in fast-paced multi-rolling that gives The HandleBards their unique brand of irreverent and family-friendly comedy. 

Producer and co-founder Tom Dixon said: “The last seven years have been an incredible adventure and we have met so many amazing people along the way.

“The positive energy, encouragement and support we get for our audiences’ and supporters is amazing, we honestly couldn’t do it without them. We know that right now the UK seems more divided than ever, but we’re certain that having more community events and getting people to come together to enjoy live arts in the outdoors is truly the best medicine.”


The Tempest, The HandleBards, Saturday September 7 – Pegasus Theatre, Oxford.

Tickets at handlebards.com or pegasustheatre.org.uk