In one month, Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival launches its 36th Season under the tents in Senákw/Vanier Park.
The “Mediterranean house party” of Much Ado About Nothing gets the Bard on the Beach 2025 season under way, running June 10 to September 20 with Two Gentlemen of Verona, June 13 to September 19 on the BMO Mainstage. Joining the Mainstage productions are The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] July 1 to September 20 with Jessica B. Hill’s The Dark Lady July 3 to September 19 at the Douglas Campbell Stage.
One of Shakespeare’s wittiest plays, Much Ado About Nothing, gets a classic reimagining this summer under the clever guidance of director Johnna Wright with additional text by Canadian playwright Erin Shields.
“The creative talent we continue to showcase at Bard on the Beach is an incredible reminder of the many talented artists in Canada,” says Christopher Gaze, Bard on the Beach Artistic Director. “We are thrilled to bring Johnna Wright back to our festival this summer. Audiences may recall her brilliant work with The Merry Wives of Windsor and her co-direction of All’s Well That Ends Well. Her keen eye and sharp wit are a perfect match to bring this play to life on our BMO Mainstage.”
Love, lies, and laughter collide in Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s sunniest and sassiest comedy! In the idyllic town of Messina, soldiers return victorious—and so does trouble. Will adversaries find love? Will young love win out over gossip? Packed with witty banter, wild twists, and sun-drenched romance, this countryside romp proves that the course of true love never did run smooth… but it’s a lot more fun that way!
Adds Johnna Wright, “We’re placing these characters in a Mediterranean inspired party, making room for something transformative to happen. And for me, what really makes it special is the incorporation of the text written by Erin Shields for the Stratford Festival’s 2023 production. It’s done with real allegiance to the characters Shakespeare created and gives voice to Hero’s pain enhancing the play in a very satisfying way.”
SPECIAL EVENTS for Much Ado About Nothing include:
Bard Fireworks Nights; patrons enjoy a performance of Much Ado About Nothing followed by a dessert buffet, and guaranteed, spectacular views of the Celebration of Light. Fireworks evenings are July 19 & 26. Bring your own picnic supper, preorder from us (for an extra charge), or snack the night away—the choice is yours.
Family Days; two matinee performances are designated to encourage a new generation of young theatre patrons to discover Shakespeare and the Sen?á?w/Vanier Park festival experience. Special pricing and kids’ activities are in effect July 13 & August 17 at 2pm.
Relaxed Performance; patrons seeking a less structured, relaxed experience are invited to join the June 29, 2pm performance of Much Ado about Nothing. The performance is also offered as “Pay What You Will”.
Talkback Tuesdays; discover more about Bard’s production from the cast during Talkback Tuesdays in July and August, where performers will take part in free post-show discussions.
The Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival season opens June 10 until September 20, 2025 under the Festival Site Tents at Senákw/Vanier Park, 1695 Whyte Ave, Vancouver. The full performance schedule and event details are on the Bard website at bardonthebeach.org.