Steve Duck has confirmed the return of the Victoria Shakespeare by the Sea Theatre Company for a series of outdoor performances in Sidney.
Duck, the owner of TIDES Group, a Sidney destination and event services company, says the Town of Sidney gave its approval for six performances over three days in Beacon Park on the community’s waterfront.
The Bard on Beacon summer outdoor theatre event happened for the first time last year and Duck said there will be improvements from their first successful series last September.
The Victoria Shakespeare by the Sea Theatre Company is currently performing at Clover Point in Victoria.
They will bring this year’s two shows — MacBeth and A Comedy of Errors — to Sidney Sept. 4 to 6 under the Beacon Park bandshell.
Duck said new this year will be the addition of a third tent over the audience to shield people from the elements.
“It went very well last year,” he said. “We had 60 people, on average at each performance.”
With seating in the park for 100, he hopes to improve on those guest numbers.
This year, Duck said the troupe will perform MacBeth in traditional costume. A Comedy of Errors will be done in contemporary garb. Last year’s performances of Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream were both performed in modern clothing.
Performances this year will still be interactive with the audience and performers will once again use cranes to take flight in character.
TIDES this year is also inviting young thespians to the Stratford School — free acting classes for youth age six to 18 on the Saturday and Sunday of the performances.
The shows begin Thursday, Sept. 4 with the curtain rising at 7 p.m. with A Comedy of Errors.
Friday’s 7 p.m. show is MacBeth.
On Saturday, Sept. 6 the matinee performance begins at 2 p.m. and the evening’s show opens at 7 p.m. Both will be A Comedy of Errors.
Sunday’s matinee and evening performances (same times as the day before) will be MacBeth.
Duck said this year will set the standard for subsequent performances, adding his goal is create remarkable cultural experiences in Sidney.
Bard on Beacon is a ticketed event and they cost $25 each.
To learn more or to reserve your tickets, visit www.TIDESgroup.com or call 250-999-2997.
