Bard on the Beach Opens Douglas Campbell Theatre With a Wild Ride Through the Bard’s Canon

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]
Brings Fast-Paced Fun to the Festival

June 11, 2025, Vancouver, BC / Traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations– Bard on the Beach opens the Douglas Campbell Theatre with the madcap comedy The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, with new revisions by Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield. This high-energy production offers a lightning-fast, wildly entertaining romp through all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets—in just 90 minutes!

The show’s hilarious journey through the Bard’s iconic works is guided by a dynamic trio of performers who throw tradition to the wind in favour of clever parody, over-the-top antics, and even audience interaction. With hyper-local references, irreverent humour, improvisational flair, and modern-day pop culture nods, the play has been a global smash hit since its premiere in 1987 by the Reduced Shakespeare Company.

“This is the perfect way to open the Douglas Campbell Theatre this year,” says Christopher Gaze, Bard on the Beach Artistic Director. “It’s witty, it’s fast-paced, and it truly captures the joy of discovering—and rediscovering—Shakespeare’s work in the most unexpected ways.”

Since its debut, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] has become one of the most frequently performed comedies in the world. It has played to sold-out houses from London’s West End to Broadway and continues to delight audiences with each fresh adaptation.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] cast members include Tess Degenstein, Craig Erickson, Arghavan Jenati, and Nathan Kay. This production has a rotating cast featuring three performers in each performance—making it a different adventure every night!

Set in one of Bard’s theatre tents, audiences will discover what happens to all the props from past shows in this dynamic production directed by Mark Chavez. Set Designer Ryan Cormack has created a set cluttered with old props and fun easter eggs for Bard enthusiasts. Costume Designer Alaia Hamer has pulled statement pieces from past Bard productions to help bring each play to life at the production’s breakneck pace. Composer and Sound Designer Anton Lipovetsky has created a sonic world that enlists some familiar voices to enhance the audience’s experience. Additional members of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]’s production team include Jeff Harrison (Lighting Designer), Sam Jeffery (Fight Director & Intimacy Director), Amanda Testini (Choreographer), and Heidi Wilkinson (Head of Props). They are supported by Rebecca Mulvihill (Stage Manager) and Jenny Kim (Assistant Stage Manager).

SPECIAL EVENTS for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] include:

  • The crowd-pleasing Bard Fireworks Nights, where patrons enjoy a performance of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again] followed by a dessert buffet and guaranteed, spectacular views of the Celebration of Light. Fireworks evenings are July 19 & 26. Bring your own picnic supper, preorder from us (for an extra charge), or snack the night away—the choice is yours.
  • Discover more about Bard’s production from the cast during Talkback Tuesdays in July and August, where performers will take part in free post-show discussions.

Ticket prices for all regular play performances start at $35 CAD and are available now. Early booking is recommended for best seat selection, as many performances sell out in advance. The full performance schedule and event details are on the Bard website at bardonthebeach.org. To book tickets, order online through the Bard website or call the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559 or (toll free) 1-877-739-0559.

 

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A selection of photographs for media use is available on the Bard website.

Please contact Cynnamon Schreinert for password access or interviews.
Tel: 604-802-2733; email: [email protected]