As You Like It - The Handlebards
As You Like It - The Handlebards
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 at Royal Hospital Chelsea 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.
This is an outdoor production, so please dress for the weather!
And what’s the play about? Well – a group of soldiers return from the war to a household in Messina, kindling new love interests and re-kindling old rivalries. The parallel love stories of Beatrice, Benedick, Claudio and Hero quickly become entangled with scheming, frivolity and melodrama in Shakespeare’s famous comedy.
Date: Tue 7 July 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Soane Stable Yard Visitor Centre. Royal Hospital Chelsea (Via Chelsea Gate).
Tickets: Please book your tickets via the HandleBards website. Much Ado About Nothing - The HandleBards
- Early Bird: £17.50
- Standard: £20.50
- 21 & Under: £13:00
- 12 & Under: £5.00
- Under 5's are free - no ticket needed!
★★★★★ – “Explodes with energy and is a genuine treat from start to finish.” – The Stage
★★★★★ – “Five stars just don’t seem enough…” – The Sunderland Echo
Notes on Performance
- Chairs are being provided by the venue, please also note that you cannot bring picnics and outside alcohol to this performance.
- In case of rain, please don’t bring umbrellas as they block sight-lines for other audience members. Ponchos and raincoats are just as fetching, so please wear these instead.
- Enjoy Food & Drinks from Heidi Bakery. Treat yourself to a refreshing glass of Prosecco and a selection of delicious food from Heidi Bakery. Available for purchase before the performance and during the intermission, our offerings will keep you refreshed and satisfied throughout the evening. Join us at Heidi Bakery for the perfect start to your experience!
- The site is fully accessible – if you have any access related questions ahead of the performance please get in touch!
Important Ticket Conditions – Please Read
- Tickets will also be available to purchase on the day at the venue for £21 each, subject to availability. If the show sells out in advance then tickets may not be available on the door so early booking is encouraged!
- You can bring your tickets digitally, on a phone or tablet, so save the trees and please don’t print them.