The Tempest is a co-production from Shakespeare North and cycling Shakespeare company The HandleBards, playing for a full run in the round in Shakespeare North's Cockpit Theatre in October 2025.
On a windswept, soggy island, Prospero (exiled politician, magician, father) has trimmed the grass, disciplined the inhabitants, carved out order. When his enemies arrive on this shore, the limits of Prospero’s control are tested. Something has to give.
HandleBards shows are joyful, irreverent and very funny, with multi-rolling, live music, audience participation and skilful text work. This is the company’s first indoor production, bringing the communal experience of an outdoor performance into a theatre space.
A masterclass in the absurd… a hilarious, once-in-a-lifetime production
★★★★ The Reviews Hub
Nel Crouch’s direction breathes fresh life into this production and makes it an enjoyable, genuinely funny watch for audiences of all ages.
★★★★ Theatre and Tonic
Magical and gloriously inventive
★★★★ Arts City Liverpool
Shakespeare North’s Tempest is everything great theatre should be – funny, moving, beautifully crafted, and completely transportive. It’s a night of storytelling that sweeps you up, shakes you about, and leaves you both lighter and more thoughtful than when you arrived.
Marvellous Mrs P
Written by William Shakespeare
Design by Ellie Light
Lighting by Charly Dunford
Music and Sound Design by Guy Hughes
Movement by Jonnie Riordan
Cast: Scott Brooks, Ross Foley, Lucy Green, Princess Khumalo, Meredith Lewis
Photos: Patch Dolan
