Bard on the Beach Shakespeare festival announces 2023 lineup
Smash hit As You Like It—which is set to The Beatles—and contemporary take on Julius Caesar headline 34th annual fest at Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park
Chelsea Rose as Rosalind and Oscar Derkx as Orlando in Bard on the Beach’s As You Like It. Photo and image design by Emily Cooper
The Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival is returning for its 34th season, taking place from June 8 to September 30 at to Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park.
The 2023 programming brings back the most successful production in Bard’s history, As You Like It, which launches the season on June 8 and runs to September 30 on the BMO Mainstage. The rom com (developed by Bard on the Beach and Citadel Theatre artistic director Daryl Cloran and directed by Cloran), which blends Shakespeare with The Beatles, smashed Bard box office records in 2018. The production has since toured North America to rave reviews.
Bard on the Beach, Julius Caesar, Jennifer Lines as Mark Antony. Photo and image design by Emily Cooper
As You Like It plays in repertory with a contemporary setting of Shakespeare’s gripping political drama, Julius Caesar, directed by Cherissa Richards (Harlem Duet), running June 15 to September 23.
Kate Besworth in Henry V, Bard on the Beach. Photo and image design by Emily Cooper
The Howard Family Stage will host two contrasting productions. A historical drama with a twist, Henry V, adapted by Lois Anderson (Lysistrata) and starring Kate Besworth (The Taming of the Shrew), runs from June 28 to August 13. The clever and imaginative Goblin:Macbeth, running from August 19 to September 17, was originally produced by The Shakespeare Company and Hit and Myth Productions in Calgary; this Spontaneous Theatre creation by Rebecca Northan with Bruce Horak features original music by Ellis Lalonde.
The Goblins, Goblin: Macbeth, Bard on the Beach. Photo by Terry Manzo. Image design by Emily Cooper
“Our 34th Season offers dynamic productions for theatre lovers of every genre,” Christopher Gaze, Bard on the Beach artistic director, says in a release. “There’s a wealth of romance, rambunctious music, high-spirited comedy, and compelling drama. There is something for all this season, from the committed Shakespeare fan to someone who has never been to Bard before. Many of our special events take place at As You Like It, as the music of The Beatles is a perfect entry-point for everyone to enjoy Bard this summer.”
Bard on the Beach. Photo by Tim Matheson
Those special events include Bard Fireworks nights, where audiences enjoy a performance of As You Like It followed by a catered picnic dinner, a performance by Coastal Wolf Pack, and guaranteed spectacular views of the Celebration of Light. Fireworks evenings are July 22, 26, and 29.
Wine lovers can take in Wine Wednesdays before one of three performances throughout the season, on July 12, August 16, and September 13.
Two matinee performances are designated Family Days. Special pricing and kids’ activities are in effect on July 16 and August 20.
Bard Pride Night returns for its second year and includes early site access for special activities to celebrate on June 24.
A Relaxed Performance of As You Like It takes place July 1 at 2 pm. This performance is also “Pay As You Like”.
Those seeking a deeper dive into the world of Shakespeare can attend a Bard Explored talk with Simon Fraser University’s Paul Budra on July 15, August 5, and August 19.
Cast members will participate in post-show Talkback Tuesdays in July and August.
At every performance, audiences are invited to In A Nutshell, free pre-show talks that provide short, informal introductions to the plays’ stories and characters.
The full season schedule is on the Bard on the Beach website.
Tickets for the 34th season go on sale April 12, 2023 on the Bard website or via the Bard’s Box Office at 604-739-0559.
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