Beatlemania is coming to Bard on the Beach in 2023 as new season revealed

One of Vancouver’s most beloved theatre companies is returning to Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park this summer with an exciting lineup of shows.

Bard on the Beach has announced the festival’s 34th season, slated to run from June 8 to September 30.

The lineup includes a British invasion, a vast historical drama, a tale of political intrigue, and an immersive theatre piece drawn from Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Tickets for the 34th Bard Season go on sale on Thursday, April 12 online.

 

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“Our 34th Season offers dynamic productions for theatre lovers of every genre,” said Christopher Gaze, Bard on the Beach artistic director, 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 will open in 2023 with the return of the most successful show in company history: a 1960s-set, Beatles-themed As You Like It.

2018 “As You Like It” Ensemble (Tim Matheson/Bard on the Beach)

The original Bard production broke every company box office record in 2018 and has since toured to delighted audiences across Western Canada and the United States.

As You Like It will feature two-dozen Beatles classics, including “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “All You Need is Love,” performed live on the BMO Mainstage.

2018 “As You Like It” (Tim Matheson/Bard on the Beach)

Also on the mainstage is a modern-day set Julius Caesar, Shakespeare’s gripping tale of a brilliant military leader who is offered political power, betrayed by those he trusts, and is ultimately murdered.

On the Howard Family Stage is Henry V, a story about two empires set in a mythical realm filled with fantasy.

Bard on the Beach/Facebook

And theatre fans looking for a new way to experience Shakespeare won’t want to miss Goblin: Macbeth by A Spontaneous Theatre on the Family Stage. Three Goblins who discover a copy of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare take over a theatre space and persuade an audience into participating in their attempt at “doing theatre.”

Bard on the Beach is also offering a variety of crowd-pleasing special events throughout the summer, including Bard Fireworks nights, Wine Wednesdays, Family Days matinee performances, and Bard Pride Night.

Bard on the Beach (Becky Verbruggen/Submitted)

Guests can also attend a relaxed “Pay As You Like” performance of As You Like It on July 1, a Bard Explored talk with Simon Fraser University’s Paul Budra on July 15, August 5, and August 19, Talkback Tuesdays in July and August, and free pre-show talks before every performance.

Bard on the Beach

When: June 8 to September 30, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Vanier Park – 1695 Whyte Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online