Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

June 8, 2023

September 30, 2023

$30 & up

Vanier Park, Whyte Avenue, Vancouver

Website

Events Description

 
Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare festivals. Established in 1990, Bard is an annual summer festival with a mission to perform, explore and celebrate the genius of William Shakespeare, surrounded by the natural beauty of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Bard’s 2018 blockbuster As You Like It, brimming with Beatles hits, is back on the BMO Mainstage after delighting sold-out houses across Western Canada and the USA. It will play in repertory with Shakespeare’s thrilling political drama, Julius Caesar. On the Howard Family Stage, there are two contrasting productions: Henry V, the inspiring and timely history play, followed by the hilariously interactive Goblin:Macbeth, created by a team of acclaimed Canadian theatre-makers.

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival Plays:

On the BMO Mainstage

AS YOU LIKE IT
JUNE 8 – SEPTEMBER 30
The Beatles are back at Bard! It’s the 1960s all over again, and free spirits are escaping from Vancouver to get “back to the land”. This joyful tribute to love, laughter and music features two-dozen classic Beatles songs, from “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to “Here Comes the Sun”, performed live on stage. The original Bard production played to sold-out houses in 2018 and has triumphed across North America since then.

JULIUS CAESAR
JUNE 15 – SEPTEMBER 24
“Et tu, Brute?” (Julius Caesar).

Shakespeare’s riveting drama tells the story of the leader Julius Caesar, who is murdered by those he trusts – a murder that his closest ally, Mark Antony, is unable to stop. This timeless story, in a modern-day setting, is about the human drive to get and hold on to power – and how order and good government can turn to chaos when personal ambition is unchecked. Julius Caesar is powerfully connected to our world’s political landscape, with its fractured integrity, and it raises profound questions for us all.

Directed by Cherissa Richards (Harlem Duet, 2022).

On the Howard Family Stage

HENRY V
JUNE 28 – AUGUST 13
At the edge of the world, at the end of the world, a travelling theatre troupe performs Shakespeare’s Henry V.

So begins the tale of a war-torn land and of young King Hal, whom destiny has cast as a leader. Manipulated by false advisors, he plunges two nations into war. But will victory be worth the price? Can there be another way? Shakespeare’s famous story poses timeless questions about the moral cost of war – and whether love and hope might turn the tide, both in Henry’s world and for us today.

Kate Besworth (The Taming of the Shrew, 2019) stars. Directed by Lois Anderson (The Taming of the Shrew, 2019; Lysistrata, 2018).

GOBLIN:MACBETH
AUGUST 19 – SEPTEMBER 17
When three Goblins come across a copy of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare, they’re intrigued by a writer who clearly knows his witches, faeries, goblins and monsters. They decide to co-opt a theatre space and cajole an audience into participating in their first attempt at “doing theatre”. They choose Macbeth because it’s short…and has lots of blood! Get set for a unique theatre experience with this joyfully interactive production.

Bard’s 33rd Season will also bring back favourite special events, including the popular Bard-B-Q & Fireworks nights in late July, and more.

Who is it for?

All ages

HOW MUCH

Tickets :

Regular Performances

(Tues-Sun) from $30
Youth price available (Ages 6-22)
50% off regular price in zones A+ and A , $30 in B and C
Previews –
$10 off regular adult price in zones A+, A, B

How to get tickets?
Buy Online
Phone: 604-739-0559 or (toll free) 1-877-739-0559.

Box Office in Vanier Park

WHEN & WHERE

 

Performance Schedule: Schedule

  • As You Like It — June 8 – September 30
  • Julius Caesar — June 15 – September 24
  • Henry V — June 28 – August 13
  • Goblin:Macbeth — August 19 – September 17
  • Bard Pride Night — June 24 | 7:30pm
  • Bard Fireworks Nights — July 22, 26 & 29 | 5pmSee As You Like It or Henry V, enjoy a delicious dinner from Emelle’s Catering and post-dinner entertainment from Coastal Wolf Pack. End the night with a private view of the spectacular Celebration of Light Fireworks. Our Fireworks nights are an unforgettable experience, offering outstanding value for the ticket price.
  • Family Day — July 16 & August 20, 2023 | 2pm
    A perfect Bard experience for you and your family! Arrive at the Village early for family-friendly activities, then enjoy a performance of our blockbuster As You Like It.
  • Wine Wednesdays — July 12, August 16 & September 13 | 6pmRelax and enjoy the view from our Marquee tent while you sip and savour BC wines, presented by industry experts and special guests.
  • Relaxed Performance of As You Like It — July 1 at 2pm. This performance is also “Pay As You Like”.
  • Bard Explored talk with Simon Fraser University’s Paul Budra — July 15, August 5 & August 19.
  • Talkback Tuesdays in July and August, where performers will take part in free post-show discussions.

Venue : BMO Mainstage and Howard Family Stage under the tents at Vanier Park. – 1695 Whyte Avenue, Vancouver

Trip Planning
Paid Parking
Public transit accessible

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