The Tempest

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on!” 

On a distant island, a magician lies in wait…
An ousted former Duke robbed of position, power and wealth; Prospero has been left in isolation save for a handful of spirits who also inhabit his polluted island home.

Of course – this is no ordinary person, and no ordinary island!

When Prospero uses his mystical skills to conjure up a violent storm, a shipwreck washes the court of Milan up onto his haunted shores. The new arrivals quickly learn that nothing is as it seems…

Dive into Shakespeare’s timeless tale of intrigue and wonder, as our talented troupe make you think, make you laugh, and of course – charm your socks off!

This production of The Tempest is the first collaboration between Shakespeare North Playhouse and internationally renowned theatre company, The HandleBards.

About Handlebars:

The HandleBards is a theatre company founded on adventure, a love for Shakespeare, and a clever pun. It began in 2013 when four friends—Paul Moss, Callum Cheatle, Tom Dixon, and Callum Brodie—cycled Twelfth Night to 20 UK venues. Since then, the company has gained international recognition for its uniquely irreverent approach to Shakespeare.

Praised by critics and audiences alike, The Stage described them as “gloriously eccentric and very, very funny,” while The Shields Gazette called them “chaotic, clever, and charming.” One young viewer even credited the troupe with turning an 11-year-old into a Shakespeare fan.

Committed to sustainability, the HandleBards travel by bike to promote eco-friendly practices and healthy living. They won the Edinburgh Fringe Sustainable Practice Award in 2014 and received nominations in subsequent years, including for The Stage’s Sustainability Award in 2016.

Known for fast-paced, humorous, and fearless performances, the HandleBards offer an engaging introduction to Shakespeare for newcomers and a fresh take for seasoned fans.