A World First Rides Into Hodsock Priory This Summer

DONCASTER, U.K. - July 16, 2013 - PRLog -- Hodsock Priory in Blyth is preparing itself for the arrival of a World First project – The HandleBards, a Shakespearean cycling tour by the acclaimed and innovative theatre company Peculius (http://www.peculius.com/handlebards.html).

Arriving ceremoniously through the gatehouse at Hodsock Priory on 31^st July, the four-strong all-male troupe of travelling players will perform Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night outdoors on the lawned pavilion.  Performances will take place on the evenings of Wednesday 31^st July and Thursday 1^st August (http://www.hodsockpriory.com/seasonal-events) and audiences are asked to prepare themselves for a high-octane summer performance of cunning schemes, love sickness and cross-dressing!

The four actors, four bicycles and 40 characters will be pedalling 926 miles from Glasgow to London, stopping off at 25 heritage venues across Scotland and England on the World’s first Shakespearean cycling tour.

To add to the challenge, The HandleBards, who are supported by the Old Vic Theatre, will carry all the required set, props, costumes and camping equipment necessary for the 926 mile adventure with them on their bikes.  The four HandleBards will play multiple characters in each 1930’s-set play, using their bikes to power various onstage contraptions.  The show promises to fully engage show-goers with some unusually energetic audience interaction.

George Buchanan, general manager and ninth generation resident of Hodsock Priory commented: “The HandleBards is a fantastic interpretation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and performed in a totally unique way.  We love to offer our visitors an exceptional experience at Hodsock and this is certainly something they will never forget.”

The audience are invited to take a picnic and indulge in this very humorous take on the classic comedy.

Gates open at 6 pm with the performance commencing at 7pm. Full bar and refreshments will be available throughout the performance.  Tickets cost £12.00 for adults, £8 for concessions and £2 for all school age children.  

Hodsock Priory can also cater for those wanting to enjoy a short break through its five star rated Courtyard accommodation.  The Courtyard (http://www.hodsockpriory.com/courtyard-1) is a sympathetic restoration of the old dairy on the 800 acre Hodsock estate, it boasts 10 magnificently designed self-catering suites ideal for those wanting a little bit of luxury in a rural setting. The estate is surrounded by heritage and family attractions and connects to miles of cycle and bridle paths. It’s a great base for exploring Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire.

For further information, prices and tickets visit www.hodsockpriory.com or call 01909 591204.

To learn more about Peculius visit www.peculius.com alternatively, follow the cast on Twitter (https://twitter.com/peculius) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/visitpeculiusstage).