Bard on the Beach’s The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] [Again] is a rapid-fire, wildly irreverent crash course through the Bard’s entire canon, performed by three tireless actors armed with boundless energy, impeccable timing, and a complete disregard for traditional staging. The result? Controlled chaos—and sheer delight. It’s smart, silly, and infectiously fun—perfect summer theatre that will have you bringing your wit and your cider.

A Whirlwind Tour Through Shakespeare’s Canon

Covering all 37 plays (and 154 sonnets) in under two hours, the production flings together high-concept gags, local nods, and theatrical anarchy. The comedies are lumped together, since—let’s be honest—they all involve mistaken identities, improbable twins, and weddings. The Histories are reduced to a chaotic board game. Titus Andronicus gets the Hallmark movie treatment. Coriolanus and Timon of Athens are launched into outer space. And the Scottish Play? Bagpipes, brogues, and an overabundance of tartan.

Running Gags and Special Cameos

A looming fixation on cider threads throughout the show, playing a surprisingly large role in the chaos but never quite for reasons anyone could suspect. Adding to the fun are multiple pre-recorded cameos from Bard on the Beach’s own Christopher Gaze, whose dulcet tones provide tongue-in-cheek gravitas amid the madness.

Three Performers, Endless Energy

Nathan Kay, Tess Degenstein, and Craig Erickson deftly juggle slapstick, improvisation, audience participation, and the occasional literary insight, keeping the pace brisk and the tone unpredictable.

The Showstopper: Hamlet

The production builds to a brilliant and increasingly unhinged staging of Hamlet, performed multiple times—faster, backward, and with meta-commentary—highlighting both the absurdity and enduring power of Shakespeare’s most famous play.

Summer Theatre at Its Best

Set against the Vancouver skyline and the open-air stage of Vanier Park, this production is a must-see for theatre lovers of all kinds.