Bard on the Beach adds adults-only improv cabaret for 2026

Bard on the Beach is adding an adults-only late-night improv series to its 2026 season in Vancouver.

Bard After Dark will run for four nights at the Douglas Campbell Theatre. The series is being presented with Tightrope Theatre and will feature a rotating cast of Canadian improvisers, with audience suggestions helping shape each performance.

The festival describes the event as an intimate late-night cabaret, with unexpected characters, music and comedy. Alcohol will be available because the event is restricted to adults.

Regular admission is $25, or $20 for people holding a ticket to a Bard on the Beach performance on the same day. A ticket to another festival production is not required to attend Bard After Dark.

Founding artistic director Christopher Gaze said the new program is intended to extend the festival atmosphere later into the evening. Ali Froggatt, co-founder and artistic director of Tightrope Improv Theatre, said the company is looking forward to bringing improvisation to Bard’s tents. Further information is available through the official Bard After Dark website.