Bard on the Beach has announced its  34th season, with four productions—including the heavy hitter As You Like It—scheduled for stages in Vanier Park between June 8 and September 30.

Shakespeare aficionados can look forward to seeing a contemporary take on Julius Caesar on the BMO Mainstage, as well as one of the world’s first rom-coms As You Like It, which became a runaway smash in 2018 by using two-dozen Beatles songs to help tell the story. The latter not only set Bard on the Beach attendance records, but also toured North America.

Those in the mood for something a little heavier will be able to catch Henry V on the smaller Howard Family Stage, as well as Goblin:Macbeth, which finds common ground between Shakespeare and J.R.R. Tolkien by asking "What would happen if a group of goblins discovered the brilliance of the Bard and then staged a play about a potential future King of Scotland?"

“There’s a wealth of romance, rambunctious music, high-spirited comedy, and compelling drama,” Bard on the Beach artistic director Christopher Gaze said in announcing the season. “There is something for all this season, from the committed Shakespeare fan to someone who has never been to Bard before.”

Bard on the Beach special attractions this summer will include three fireworks nights with catered picnic dinners timed to coincide with Festival of Light celebrations in July, as well as Wine Wednesdays in June, July, and August.

Bard Explored will have Simon Fraser University’s Paul Budra going deep into the works of Shakespeare on July 15 and August 5 and 19, while Talkback Tuesdays in July and August will have performers taking part in post-show discussions.

Tickets for season 34 go on sale tomorrow (April 12). Go here for the full schedule and details.