One of Northumberland's most recognisable landmarks is set to be transformed into an outdoor theatre this summer.
Northumberlandia, also known as the Lady of the North, is the largest landform structure of a human in the entire world, and will host two theatre performances in August including an adaptation of Shakespeare on bicycles. The HandleBards are a troupe of bicycle-powered Shakespearean actors who carry all of their props and costumes on their bikes and will be rocking up to the Cramlington site on Thursday August 11 to deliver a performance of Twelfth Night .
Written between 1601 and 1602, the play is said to be a hilarious yet heartbreaking tale of unrequited love and features a young woman named Viola who disguises herself as a man and becomes entangled in the courtship of two aristocrats, upending conventions of romance and gender roles. It's not the HandleBards' first show at Northumberlandia, having previously performed As You Like It , Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing .
Read more: North East theatre group makes heartwarming shows for children with additional needs
A younger and family audience is also catered to with a performance of David Walliams book Awful Auntie. The children's book tells the story of Stella Saxby who is plagued by her awful aunt and her giant owl and follows last year's performance of Mr Stink .
The performances come after Northumberlandia, which attracts around 90,000 visitors a year, was awarded the Site Delivering Best Economic Activity Award at the National Land Trust Awards Ceremony. The site has been open to the public since October 2012 and in the last year its café has been revamped.
As well as outdoor theatre performances, its summer events programme is aimed at people of all ages and includes downloadable trails to storytelling afternoons.
Frances Smile, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Events Officer, said: "We know that more people are staying at home this summer to either save money or save themselves the hassle of train cancellations and flight delays, so, what better way to enjoy the summer than with a trip to one of the outdoor theatre events? So, bring your fizz, low level table and chairs, marvel at the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a great evening of dramatic entertainment."
For more information and to book tickets, visit the events page on the Northumberland Wildlife Trust website.
What plans do you have in the region over the summer holidays? Let us know!
Read next
-
What’s on at Newcastle’s theatres this summer: Theatre Royal, Live Theatre, Alphabetti and more
-
Family events at National Trust properties in the North East throughout the school holidays
-
Full list of beautiful North East parks to be awarded prestigious Green Flag status
-
Wildlife charity issues plea not to forget animals during hot weather
-
Albino wallaby kicked out of mum's pouch being hand-reared on goats' milk at Northumberland farm
