William Shakespeare walks into a pub, the barman says…you’re Bard! Shakespeare also famously wrote that all the world’s a stage but, alas, pubs and stages have been long out of bounds due to the pox (whom I bite my thumb at)
And so, it was with much excitement that we could finally return to York Theatre Royal and The Handlebards touring production of Romeo and Juliet…
On ‘yer bike!
For those unfamiliar with The Handlebards, the company are a troupe of cycling actors who carry their sets, costumes and props on bikes up and down the country. With a bare-bones set of a simple stand (doubling as a backstage area) and colourful bunting, this is a production that would be at home at any festival or smaller venue.
However, the team also manage to fill the Theatre Royal stage, proving that sometimes less really is more. What the show lacks in a flashy set, it more than makes up for in inventive storytelling, versatile performances and daft wigs, props and gags by the bike-load!
That rings a bell!
The trio of performers (Lucy Green, Tom Dixon and Paul Moss) are clearly delighted to be back in the theatre, and open the show with a resounding cheer. Their energy and excitement is infectious, and they switch effortlessly between costumes, accents and the many familiar roles.
The ding of a bicycle bell cleverly marks each transition; one of several ways that bicycle-based ephemera features . Whether it’s Romeo’s lovestruck simpering, Juliet’s teenage strops or the friars spraying everything with Holy Water – the pace never lets up and the characters are all well-defined. Oh, and nurse’s buxom waddle is a particular treat!
Although written as a tragedy, the world needs more laughter right now and this is very much a comedy retelling of the tale of two star-crossed lovers. The story is familiar, but I would say it’s useful to have a good knowledge of the plot as it is mostly told in the original Shakespearean prose. That being said, the action is easy to follow and, although not billed as a family show per se, there were a number of children in the audience who loved all the slapstick and exaggerated expressions. Bordering on clowning, this is playful theatricality as it’s best!
I am conscious of not saying too much in this review as some of the gags rely on the element of surprise, and surprises there are many. What I will say though is look out for the ninja friars, expect a little audience participation, and that the balcony scenes are truly inspired!
It is more important than ever to support live theatre and, with tickets from just £15, The Handlebards offer great value for money with a night of fun, laughter and more silliness than you can Shake a Spear at!
MAGIC RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL
The Handlebards are currently touring the country with productions of Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth. Tickets can be booked via their website at https://www.handlebards.com/
Check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Review Wizard 