The Beatles and Shakespeare Blend in Theatre Calgary's Sixties-Inspired Production

In an inventive adaptation of William Shakespeare's work, As You Like It undergoes a groovy transformation under the guidance of director Daryl Cloran. Known for classical prose and timeless themes, Shakespeare's pastoral comedy is infused with the iconic tunes of The Beatles, delivering a unique spectacle that also features the stylized sole of John Fluevog shoes. This mash-up goes further, planting its roots in the fertile cultural soil of British Columbia during the free-spirited era of the 1960s.

Collaboration Births a Musical Concept

The ingenious idea came to life when Cloran, the artistic director of the Citadel Theatre since 2016, brainstormed with Christopher Gaze, leader of Vancouver's Bard on the Beach festival. They envisioned a world where the Shakespearean saga would dance to the beat of the legendary Liverpool quartet. While acquiring rights to The Beatles catalog seemed a long shot, their approval without the portrayal of the band members themselves was a surprising game-changer.

A Shakespearean Tour de Force with a Twist of Lennon-McCartney

The result was a captivating show featuring 23 Beatles hits, cleverly interwoven to advance the story without halting the narrative flow. The cast is a dynamic ensemble required to not only act, sing, and dance but also, in some cases, to be proficient with musical instruments and even able to wrestle.

The premiere at Bard on the Beach in 2018 was met with critical acclaim and packed audiences, leading to performances in multiple cities, including Calgary, where the show runs until March 24. As Cloran continues to direct the various iterations of this production, the creative sparks fly once more with plans to blend the whimsy of A Midsummer Night's Dream with the sounds of the 70s—from Elton John to Bowie and disco.

theatre, Shakespeare, Beatles