Bard on the Beach is adding a late-night twist to its summer season with a new series of improvised performances under the tents in Vanier Park.
Bard After Dark will take over the Douglas Campbell Theatre for four Friday-night performances on August 7, 14, 21, and 28. Each show begins at 10pm.
Presented in partnership with Tightrope Theatre, the new cabaret-style series will feature a rotating lineup of Canadian improvisers creating characters, musical moments, and unexpected comedy inspired by audience suggestions. With no two performances following the same script—or any script at all—each evening promises to be entirely unique.
“One of the things audiences love most about Bard is the atmosphere,” said Bard on the Beach Founding Artistic Director Christopher Gaze. “With Bard After Dark, we’re extending that experience late into the evening with something playful, spontaneous, and completely different.”
Audiences can attend Bard After Dark on its own or make it the final act of an evening that begins with one of Bard’s regularly scheduled productions.
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.
Several members of the Tightrope ensemble have also appeared in past and present Bard productions, making the series a natural crossover between two Vancouver theatre communities.
Tightrope co-founder and artistic director Ali Froggatt said the company is excited to bring more improvisational mischief and playfulness to Bard’s iconic waterfront tents.
Bard After Dark is intended for audiences aged 16 and older and may contain mature themes and strong language.
Tickets are $25, or $20 for audience members who also hold a ticket to a Bard performance on the same day.
