It's Shakespeare as the Bard himself would have enjoyed it - outdoors, under the sun, in a family-friendly atmosphere.
New Westminster's Shadows and Dreams Theatre Company is once again bringing Shakespeare to life at the Queen's Park bandshell.
The company's run of The Merry Wives of Windsor began July 20 and continues with shows this weekend - Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. It winds up with a final show on Sunday, Aug. 4.
This is the company's seventh year of producing shows.
"The company was formed by the Brooke and Elcheshen families so they could do a show together without breaking the bank on babysitting," explains a press release from Stephen Elcheshen.. "All the actors who were invited to join the first production, A Midsummer Night's Dream, knew that they may occasionally be called upon to entertain a small child while their parents were on stage."
Elcheshen said they've seen their children grow up influenced by the great group of people involved in the company.
"And while the cast may vary from year to year, the commitment, fun and family atmosphere stays decidedly the same," he said.
Performances take place rain or shine. Audience members are invited to sit on the benches at the bandshell or bring their own chair or blanket to get closer to the stage.
It's free, and no tickets are required.
For more on the company, see www.shadowsanddreams.org.
