While the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival season continues with Merry Wives of Windsor and Macbeth on the BMO Mainstage and Antigone and Goblin: Oedipus on the Douglas Campbell Theatre, in Senákw/Vanier Park.
Now, something new joins the Season, as Bard After Dark enters the Douglas Campbell Theatre, with four performances on August 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 10pm, Bard After Dark features a rotating cast of some of Canada’s best improvisers curated by Tightrope Theatre in this late-night comedic cabaret. Be prepared, with Tightrope Theatre, anything can happen!
The inaugural series represents a new chapter for Bard on the Beach as the Festival moves beyond the traditional performance. Presented in partnership with Tightrope Theatre, Bard After Dark transforms the Douglas Campbell Theatre into an intimate late-night cabaret where every performance is completely unique. Featuring a rotating cast of some of Canada’s best improvisers, each show is inspired by audience suggestions, creating an evening filled with unexpected characters, musical moments, and laugh-out-loud surprises.
“One of the things audiences love most about Bard is the atmosphere and with Bard After Dark, we’re extending that experience late into the evening with something playful, spontaneous, and completely different,” said Christopher Gaze, Bard on the Beach Founding Artistic Director. “We hope audiences will make a night of it as they celebrate live theatre. Even if you aren’t seeing one of our productions before this event, you can still purchase a ticket to come experience Bard After Dark.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Bard, one of Vancouver’s most respected arts organizations,” said Ali Froggatt, Co-founder and Artistic Director of Tightrope Impro Theatre. “We can’t wait to bring some more mischief and play into these legendary tents that already hold so much magic. It’s an honour!”
The rotating cast includes Rebecca Northan, Ali Froggatt, Bruce Horak, Peter Oldring, Jen Tong, Camille Legg, Jeff Gladstone, Lili Beaudoin, Ellis Lalonde, Sarah Ferguson, Tess Degenstein, Roman Danylo, Veena Sood, and Raf Rogers.
Adds Froggatt, “Our Ensemble at Tightrope includes many folks who’ve performed with Bard throughout past and present seasons, making this a merry cross over.”’
Bard After Dark takes place at 10pm on August 7, 14, 21, and 28. General Admission tickets are $25 for the After Dark show on its own, or $20 with a same-day Bard performance ticket. Before Bard After Dark kicks off, Bard on the Beach celebrates Pride with its annual celebration, Bard Pride Night, on Friday, July 31. The special night with The Merry Wives of Windsor and Goblin:Oedipus starts when the Bard Village opens at 5pm with special activities and a Queer Artisan Market for ticket holders.
Visit the Bard website to book tickets or call the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559 or (toll free) 1-877-739-0559.
Audience Note: Bard After Dark event is recommended for audiences 16 years of age and older as it may contain mature themes and strong language that some people may find offensive.