Much Ado About Nothing

About

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 Pontefract Castle for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing like you’ve never seen before.

In usual HandleBards style, expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos, and a great deal of laughter.

Tickets: 

Adults: £19 plus £1.60 booking fee

Child (5-16y): £11 plus £0.92 booking fee

Under 5s: free and no ticket required

Disabled people and registered carers: £19 plus £1.60 booking fee (price of 1 adult ticket, valid for 2 people). Proof of carer status required*.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What time does the event start? Gates open from 5.30pm, performance starts at 6:30pm and finishes around 9:30pm – 10pm.

Is there an interval? There is a 15-minute interval at around 1 hour in.

Will the performance go on if it’s raining? Yes. In the case of adverse weather, the event will not be cancelled and will go ahead as planned. If adverse weather does cause us to cancel you will be advised ahead of time. Only in the event of us cancelling will a refund be offered.

Do you offer refunds or exchanges? Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Only in the event of us cancelling will a refund be offered.

*Do you offer Carer tickets? We offer a combined Disabled Person and Registered Carer ticket, priced at the value of 1 adult ticket and valid for 2 people. Proof of eligibility will need to be provided on arrival which could include: Carers Card, An Access Card, National Carers and Disability Card, recent Attendance Allowance Letter (AA), Carers’ Allowance Letter of Award, Disability Living Allowance Letter (DLA), or Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

Is the event wheelchair accessible? Yes, this event is wheelchair accessible. The event will take place in the main grassed castle bailey area, which can be reached by level access paths. The paths are a mixture of gravel and stone. You can position yourself wherever you like, and bring additional seating to switch into if you wish. The team will be on hand to show you the easiest route to a good spot.

Are refreshments available? No, but you are welcome to bring a picnic and alcohol. No BBQs permitted. Please drink responsibly and take home any litter.

Is there any seating? No. Please bring your own low-backed seats.

Do under 5s need a ticket? No, under 5s are free and don’t need a ticket.

Is the event outdoors? The event takes place outdoors on the main grassed area of the castle and will take place whatever the weather. Large umbrellas (fishing / parasol) or tents are not permitted due to safety and visibility issues. Please bring ponchos, raincoats or regular / golf umbrellas if the weather is wet.

Can I bring my dog? Well-behaved dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead.

Are there toilets available? The toilets in the Visitor Centre will be open throughout the performance. There is also an accessible toilet with baby changing facilities.

Where can I park? Please use town centre car parks which are mostly free after 6pm. We recommend that you don’t park in the Aldi carpark on South Baileygate, as charges may apply. Further parking info for Pontefract

I have a Blue Badge, where can I park? There are two accessible parking spaces on the road outside the castle gates. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking on the roadside is also available for Blue Badge holders on many of the surrounding roads marked with double yellows. Please check The Blue Badge Scheme for rules on where parking is permitted.

Can I smoke during the event? Smoking or vaping is not allowed in the grounds of Pontefract Castle. A smoking area will be available outside the main gates.

Can tickets be purchased on the night? Tickets will be available online up to the time of the performance, subject to availability. They cannot be bought at the castle itself.

Will the performers have microphones? The HandleBards perform ‘as Shakespeare intended’ (without amplification).

COVID-19: You should not attend the event if you or anyone in your group are experiencing COVID symptoms. We are unable to offer refunds if you are unable to attend due to COVID related illness or self-isolation.

Please note all information is subject to change. 

Any questions? You can email castles@wakefield.gov.uk and we will get back to you during office hours. These are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

You can also ring the Visitor Centre on 01977 723440. The Visitor Centre is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. We can usually pick up the phone during opening hours. Please leave us a message with your contact number if we cannot pick up at the time.

Access facilities

• Accessible Toilet
• Assistance Dogs Welcome
• Baby Changing Facilities
• Guide Dogs Welcome
• Step Free Access
• Wheelchair Accessible