SIZE OF COMPANY
5–25 on the road

SCALE OF VENUE
Small- to large-scale

PERMANENT STAFF
Artistic Director
Barrie Rutter

General Manager
Sue Andrews

Associate Director and Composer
Conrad Nelson

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 which 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

‘Northern 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… Barrie Rutter's production combines simplicity with energy, intensity and something more. I challenge anyone not to be moved.’ The Times

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS
Lisa’s Sex Strike Blake Morrison’s re-working of Aristophanes' classic comedy Lysistrata takes on the great issues of our time – race, war, religion and sexual morality – with disturbing hilarity. This play contains sexually explicit language. (125 mins, with interval, 14 on stage, 18 on the road.)

The Water Babies A new adaptation of Charles Kingsley’s classic tale by Andrew Pollard. Filled with simple yet beautiful theatrical invention, Northern Broadsides turn this classic children’s fairytale into an enchanting play for all the family. (80 mins, with interval, 5 on stage, 7 on the road.)

FUTURE PRODUCTIONS
Romeo & Juliet By William Shakespeare A chance meeting: two youngsters from rival families pursue their forbidden love and risk all they have to be together, falling victim to a cruel destiny and paying the ultimate price for their devotion. (135 mins with interval, 16 on stage, 20 on the road.)

The Accidental Death of an Anarchist By Dario Fo. A sharp and farcical satire on police corruption. (Running time tbc, 6 on stage, 9 on the road.)

Heidi Adapted by Andrew Pollard. The story is seen through the eyes of Goat Peter’s band of unruly goats. Their take on Heidi’s adventures causes much hilarity as human antics are put through the minds and eyes of goats. (90 mins with interval, 7 on stage, 10 on the road.)

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

RECENT INTERNATIONAL WORK
2007 China (The Tempest)
2004 Cyprus (Antigone)

TOURING AVAILABILITY
Details on request.