Outdoor Theatre: As You Like It

We are so delighted to welcome back HandleBards for a performance of the Shakespeare classic As You Like It!

Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK.

Join the troupe for a fantastically funny bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’.

What’s the play about?

Well – Rosalind and her cousin Celia flee to the Forest of Arden, where they bump into Rosalind’s love interest Orlando. However, Rosalind is disguised as a young man. Cue some local Shepherds getting involved and the stage is set for a wild ride of wooing, hilarious mistaken identity and the odd wrestling match.

Gates will open at 6:00pm and the performance will begin at 7:00pm. Our café will be open for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with a selection of light snacks.

Accessibility

We’re working with Extant and Enhance Facilitator Chris Campion to fully integrate visually impaired access with our 2026 tour of As You Like It. All performances will be accessible without the need for audio description or adapting the show, thanks to Extant’s tailored approach to integrating access, alongside a bespoke Touch Tour.

If you’ve ever been trying to open a stubborn picnic package mid-show you’ve almost certainly been able to tell the different between an epic swordfight and someone being hit with a bike wheel by sound alone. That’s exactly how we’re integrating accessibility, by being even more intentional with the audio elements of the show from the ground up – we won’t be changing Shakespeare’s text, and you can expect the same joyous HandleBards show.

‘Very descriptive and it allowed me to create a visual picture in my head.’

At Ordsall Hall, we’ll also be offering a Touch Tour before the show. The touch tour will be at 5:30pm and you can book your place on the tour alongside a ticket during check-out, or by emailing us at info@handlebards.com. We recommend arriving at the venue 15 minutes before the touch-tour.

Accompanying show notes and a digital programme can be downloaded here.

The notes encapsulate the visual aspects of the show and are written with access for visually impaired audiences at the core. The Touch Tour offers exploration of set, props and costume: offering an immersive space in which to imagine the work before the show begins.

Tickets

• Standard – £20.50
• 21 and Under – £13
• 12 and Under – £5
• Under 5’s are free – no ticket needed!

Appropriate for all ages. Booking required.

Important information The performance will be taking place outside on our lawn, rain or shine, so please come dressed for the weather. No seating is provided so you will need to bring your own chairs and/or blankets with you to sit on. You are also welcome to bring in snacks and refreshments for a picnic. We do not allow umbrellas as these can block the view for others. There is step free access from our car park to the lawn, and the lawn itself is also flat, for easy access. There are flat paths throughout the gardens and accessible toilet facilities. The museum has a private Pay & Display car park. All parking is paid for on arrival either online, over the phone or by using the onsite machine. Onsite parking is limited, so please plan accordingly or take public transport when possible.