The HandleBards present Romeo and Juliet at Gorton Monastery

One of the more peculiar events we’ve discovered, this. Described as ‘4 actors, 4 bicycles, 40 characters and a 926-mile adventure’, The HandleBards are cycling the length of the country, stopping off along the way to perform Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Romeo and Juliet as bicycle-powered sets. Presenting the plays with only what they can carry on two wheels, they drop by three venues in the North West this month – including Gorton Monastery on Sunday 21 July, for a rendition of Romeo and Juliet. They’ll be joined by the Eagley Brass Band for what promises to be a unique matinee show. The group also visit Preston’s Houghton Tower (19 and 20 Jul) and Rufford Old Hall in Ormskirk (23 and 24 Jul) on their tour – visit their site for more information.

Sun 21 Jul, The Monastery, Gorton Lane, M12 5WF, Tel: 0161 223 3211, 2pm, £10 (conc £5), www.themonastery.co.uk