SIZE OF COMPANY
Varies

SCALE OF VENUE
Small- to large-scale

PERMANENT STAFF
Artistic Director
Barrie Rutter

Associate Director & Composer
Conrad Nelson

Executive Director
Sue Andrews

ARTISTIC POLICY
Formed in 1992 by Artistic Director Barrie Rutter, Northern Broadsides is a national and international touring company based in Yorkshire. The company has built up a formidable reputation performing Shakespeare and classical texts in an innovative and popular style, in both conventional and non-theatre locations. Northern Broadsides' work is characterised by its vitality, original music, and humour; a refreshing ensemble style that adds coherence to the performance, together with precise direction, resulting in work of remarkable clarity.

REVIEW EXTRACTS
‘The ensemble is the thing… the sheer dedication and drive of the company finally takes your breath away, pushing you to your feet come curtain call.’ The Daily Telegraph

‘Broadsides has a knack of pinning theatre down to fundamentals... the acting is so immediate, so alarmingly intimate, it becomes difficult to believe that anyone could be only pretending.’ The Guardian

‘Wonderfully bold, punchy verse... Rutter's production combines simplicity with energy, intensity and something more. I challenge anyone not to be moved.’ Benedict Nightingale, The Times

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS
Medea – Alone Betrayed by a husband she sacrificed everything for, Medea unleashes a horrific vengeance on her enemies, making both assassins and victims of her own children. (8 on stage, 12 on the road.)

Canterbury Tales A motley group of individuals regale each other with their colourful tales, and thus unfolds one of the greatest collections of stories ever told. And it’s wickedly entertaining. (16 on stage, 21 on the road.)

Othello Love, racism, jealousy and desire are at the emotional core of Shakespeare’s monumental tragedy, a tender love story shattered by one man’s obsessive hatred of another. (12 on stage, 17 on the road.)

FUTURE PRODUCTIONS
Hamlet One of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies. An obsessed and haunted young man is driven almost to madness in his determination to avenge his father’s death. (12 on stage, 16 on the road.)

Treasure Island A ripping yarn and a coming of age story rolled into one with adventure, danger and excitement at every turn. For brave children and grown-ups everywhere! (6 on stage, 9 on the road.)

1984 Provocative, topical and thought-provoking – Orwell’s nightmarish vision of a totalitarian society. (5 on stage, 8 on the road.)

WRAP-AROUND
All the productions are supported by workshops and masterclasses tailored to suit particular requirements. Examples of education packs are available on the company’s website

RECENT INTERNATIONAL WORK
2007 China (The Tempest)

TOURING AVAILABILITY
Details on request