Ilam Park: Summer Theatre: As You Like It by the Handlebards
Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards will be performing a fantastically funny bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’.
- Booking essential
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 bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to dig into, and dress for the weather!
★★★★★ – “Explodes with energy and is a genuine treat from start to finish.” – The Stage
★★★★★ – “Five stars just don’t seem enough…” – The Sunderland Echo
Doors open at 5pm. The Coach House café will stay open serving drinks and light bites including ice-cream. Seating isn’t provided by the venue so please make sure to bring your own – chairs, picnics, blankets and any other low-backed accessories are welcome. In case of rain please bring ponchos and raincoats. This is an outdoors performance and surfaces may be uneven, access to the theatre site is along an accessible path with step free access – if you have any access related questions ahead of the performance please get in touch! The beauty of Ilam Park and the iconic silhouette of Thorpe Cloud provide a truly unique and unforgettable setting, making this a perfect summer outing for the entire family.
Book your tickets now and prepare to be transported to a world of dreams and laughter at Ilam Park.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult 21 and under | £13.00 |
| Adult Standard Adult | £20.50 |
| Child Under 5s | £0.00 |
| Child 12 and under | £5.00 |
| All Donation | £5.00 |
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Early Bird | £17.50 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 01335 350503 Book via the Handlebards website.
- Suitability
All families welcome!
- Meeting point
Park in our car park, then follow our signs under the archway, past the YHA and check in at the table in front of Ilam Hall.
- What to bring and wear
We're hoping for gorgeous sunshine but it may still get a little chilly in the evening so wear something warm for the evening and bring chairs and picnic blankets.
- Accessibility
There is step free access to the performance site and we have a changing place and accessible toilet.
- Other
We'll be serving ice cream, light bites and drinks from the Coach House café in the Ilam Park stableyard.
Upcoming events
Ilam Park: February Bird Box Detectives trail
Grab you detective hat and your binoculars! It's time to explore Ilam Park and solve the puzzles to discover the beautiful birds that live here.
Ilam Park: Little Explorers Club
Step into the countryside with your little one at Ilam Park’s free monthly preschool nature club. Each session is set in the Coach House, with gentle adventures into nature, hands‑on seasonal crafts, and cosy story time.
Ilam Park: Free Regular Relaxed Ramble
Join us for a free gentle walk in the countryside, enjoy a gentle pace and all the benefits of getting outside in nature. Coffee and tea included at the end of the walk.
Ilam Park: 2026 Guided Walks: Map Reading for Beginners
Join us for the day and learn a skill that has been used to travel the world for thousands of years!