Tickets for the 36th annual Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival will go on sale this Wednesday. The festival, which celebrates the timeless works of William Shakespeare, will feature four exciting productions in Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park this summer.
This year’s festival offers a variety of performances, ranging from a classic Shakespearean play to a modern comedy. One production is set in the 1980s, another condenses all of Shakespeare’s works into a single hilarious performance, and the final one is a new Canadian play exploring Shakespeare’s legacy.
“We have something for everyone this year,” said Christopher Gaze, the festival’s founding artistic director. “Whether you’re a dedicated Shakespeare fan or a first-time visitor, our 2025 season offers comedy, romance, and drama.”
The season kicks off with a traditional production of Much Ado About Nothing, a lively play known for its witty Shakespearean dialogue. The Two Gentlemen of Verona will also be staged, offering a romantic comedy set during the yuppie culture of the 1980s. These two plays will run in repertory from June 10 to September 20 on the main stage.
Additionally, the festival will feature The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]. This chaotic and comedic performance will attempt to cram all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays into one wild show. The fourth production, The Dark Lady, is a new Canadian work that reimagines the life and times of Shakespeare.
These two productions will be presented at the Douglas Campbell Theatre from July 1 to September 20.
