Mary in Vancity

Bard on the Beach has officially launched its 36th season in Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park. It kicked things off with Much Ado About Nothing. In this play, everyone lies, spies, and fakes their own death. Somehow, they still end up happily ever after. Classic.

This summer’s production is directed by Johnna Wright. It includes additional text by Canadian playwright Erin Shields. The play puts a fresh spin on one of the Bard’s wittiest plays. It’s set in a sun-drenched Mediterranean party town. The setting features all the drama, charm, and passive-aggressive flirting you’d expect from a Shakespearean vacation.

So What’s the Deal?

Much Ado About Nothing is essentially a romantic roast battle. Beatrice and Benedick (Jennifer Lines and Sheldon Elter) insist they hate each other. However, it is obvious they are into each other. Their friends are bored and meddlesome. They hatch a plan to trick them into falling in love. After all, nothing says “true romance” like light manipulation.

Meanwhile, Hero and Claudio (Jennifer Tong and Angus Yam) are trying to get married, but naturally, someone has to ruin it. That someone is Don John (Karthik Kadam), Shakespeare’s resident buzzkill, who spreads a lie and sends the wedding off the rails. Cue misunderstandings, dramatic reveals, and one very confused constable (Scott Bellis as Dogberry).

Mediterranean Aesthetic, Shakespearean Chaos

Visually, this production leans into its warm-weather setting. Think stone walls, vineyard vibes, and partywear made from natural fibres and dyes. Set designer Pam Johnson, lighting designer Sophie Tang, and costume designer Mara Gottler deserve the credit for making everything look like a very stylish postcard from Southern Europe.

Johnna Wright’s direction, paired with Erin Shields’ added text (originally written for Stratford), gives the show a bit more edge—particularly in Hero’s storyline. The additions deepen her arc without breaking the Shakespearean tone. It’s smart, thoughtful, and still funny. Not easy to pull off, but it works.

The Ensemble Cast

The cast includes some familiar faces and new talent: Jennifer Clement, Steffanie Davis, Paige Fraser, Kristi Hansen, Matthew Ip Shaw, Sebastian Kroon, Jacob Leonard, David Marr, Agnes Tong, and Tanner Zerr. Behind the curtain, you’ve got Mishelle Cutler on sound, Jonathan Hawley Purvis on choreography and fight direction, Lisa Goebel overseeing intimacy, and Heidi Wilkinson wrangling props. If that sounds like a lot of people—yep, theatre’s a team sport.

Not Just a Show—It’s a Whole Thing

Fireworks Nights
Go for the Shakespeare, stay for the fireworks and dessert buffet. July 19 and 26.

Family Days
Matinees with discounted tickets and kid-friendly extras. July 13 and August 17.

Talkback Tuesdays
Stick around after select Tuesday shows in July and August for casual post-show chats with the cast.

Tickets and Info

General admission starts at $35 CAD. Performances tend to sell out early (because this city loves its Bard), so if you’re thinking about going, don’t wait too long. You can book online at bardonthebeach.org or call 604-739-0559.