Hey fellow Vancouverites and visitors! This summer, check out Bard on the Beach in Vanier Park. Bard is a festival that features live theater performances from Shakespeare’s plays. Last week, I was invited to watch ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’. I haven’t read this story before and didn’t know what to expect. The play was performed in the BMO Mainstage, the larger of the two stages, which seats up to 733 people.
The story is about an English man, Sir John Falstaff, who woos two wealthy married women, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, for his personal financial advantage. He sends each one identical love letters, not knowing they were best friends. The two women find out about each others letter, then plot a revenge on Falstaff, by pretending to be open to his advances. While all this was taking place, three other men try to win the daughter of Mistress Page, Anne, for her hand in marriage. Read the full synopsis here.
There were several musical moments during the play when modern songs were sang with a twist. The cast was filled with talent, each actor distinguishable and were very funny. Not knowing what the story was about, the cast did a great job in capturing the audience’s attention and kept you entertained. Overall, it was a great first time at The Bard and I’m looking forward to checking out the other plays. I would love to see Romeo and Juliet live. There is also Othello and Pericles scheduled for 2016.
The play lasted 2hrs 40 mins with an intermission about halfway in. The seats were roomy and comfortable. Performances are running now until end of September. The Village is open an hour before the start of performances so you can look around and check out the Concession, Bar and Bard Boutique. I highly recommend wearing warm clothing as it gets pretty chilly at night, specially being right by the waterfront. So, if you’re looking for something different to do this summer, then go check out Bard on the Beach. Go with a friend or make it a date night!
