HandleBards presents Macbeth at Calderstones garden theatre

Shakespeare’s Macbeth comes to the Art Deco Garden Theatre at Calderstones Mansion this summer courtesy of cycling theatre trio The HandleBards.

The one hour 40-minute production promises to be a whistle stop tour of kings, queens, witches and noblemen. Forget tears and tragedy – this will be a “frantic, delirious, full-of-beans” telling of ‘the Scottish Play’.

The HandleBards transport their set, costumes and props – and themselves – from venue to venue by pedal power, making them one of the most environmentally sustainable theatre troupes in the country.

It is the second time the women players have performed at Calderstones, although the first since the 1940s Garden Theatre was restored for performances.

Anna Farrell, head of Calderstones Programme, said: “After such a long time we're delighted to get back on track with The Reader’s outdoor theatre programme.

“The garden theatre at Calderstones was born out of the Holidays at Home scheme in the Second World War and it has been our dream to put the space back to its original use.

“At The Reader we think Shakespeare is for everyone, and we've no doubt The HandleBards will delight our Liverpool audiences once more.”

Audiences should bring their own chair or blanket to sit on, and picnics are welcome.

Tickets are £17, with a limited number of early bird tickets available at £15. Concessions are £12, Under 18s tickets are £10 and youngsters under 10 go free.

To book visit The Reader website HERE