Matt Lacas and the cast of Robin Hood. Photo by James Arthur MacLean
There is a little bit of good news coming out of Point Pleasant Park for theatre makers and theatre lovers in Halifax: Shakespeare By the Sea has been granted a special permit to continue presenting their summer season, Robin Hood: The Legendary Musical Comedy and As You Like It: The Walkabout Experience, in Point Pleasant Park, despite the recent ban on activities in the province’s wooded areas.
Due to what feels like unprecedented, certainly in my lifetime, drought in Nova Scotia the Progressive Conservative government of Premier Tim Houston has issued new restrictions on activities within Nova Scotia as the hot weather and dry conditions have put the entire province at extreme risks for wildfires. Along with very important fire bans, the following restrictions were also put in place under the Forests Act: no hiking, camping, fishing, or the use of vehicles in the woods, the closure of all trails in the province that go through wooded areas, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds, and there is also a ban on all fireworks. The fine for violating the restrictions is the same as those for violating the fire ban: $25,000, and these restrictions are in place until October 15th or weather conditions change and allow them to be lifted sooner.
Due to the swift actions of various departments and levels of government, especially Lisa Lachance, MLA for Halifax Citadel–Sable Island; and Councillor Laura White, District 7; and the Parks and Recreation Department of the Halifax Regional Municipality, Shakespeare By the Sea was able to secure a special permit for continuing to perform within Point Pleasant Park, as their venue is accessible through the wide main trail of the park, and the performances take place within clearings in the park; it seems that this poses lesser risks.
Yet, there are strict rules that patrons must comply with as part of this permit and they are as follows:
- Patrons must stay on the main path as marked, travelling to and from performance sites
- Patrons must not enter the wooded areas of Point Pleasant Park during their visit
- Patrons must remain at the performance site(s) for the duration of the performance, where staff are present.
- No smoking or vaping is allowed in the Park
- SBTS Staff will remind patrons of these requirements in writing via their online ticketing system and verbally at each performance.
Shakespeare By the Sea has also released this statement saying, “We recognize and acknowledge that this ban is intended for the safety of all Nova Scotians, and so it’s very important that we comply with all of these conditions of our permit in order to keep everyone safe. By attending a performance, you are agreeing to abide by these additional measures.”
The team at Shakespeare By the Sea are largely relying on the word of mouth in the community to let folks know that their season is still going ahead, despite signage around the park saying that it is closed. Please share this information as widely as you are able to help Shakespeare By the Sea ride out this challenging development during their busiest month of the year. Let’s all work together to keep each other safe during this unpredictable and concerning time.
Robin Hood: The Legendary Musical Comedy is a collective creation by the 2005 Shakespeare By the Sea collective with music and lyrics by Kieran MacMillan and Jeremy Hutton. It is directed by Jesse MacLean. It runs in rep with As You Like It until August 30th, 2025. Check this calendar for show dates. Shows are 7:00pm at the Cambridge Battery inside Point Pleasant Park. Tickets range in price from PWYC (Suggestion Donation $20.00) at the Door or Online the Day of the Show (Bring Your Own Chair or a Blanket- or rent one when you arrive), to $34.20 (Tax Included) for a Sweet Seat or $57.00 (Tax Included) for a Sweetest Seat- Tickets are availble here. There are 1:00pm matinees of Robin Hood inside at the Halifax Central Library (5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax)- August 9th, August 23rd & August 30th.
As You Like It the Walkabout Experience is written by William Shakespeare and adapted and directed by Drew Douris-O’Hara. It runs until August 29th, 2025, and runs in rep with Robin Hood. Check this calendar for show dates. Shows are 7:00pm and begin at the Cambridge Battery inside Point Pleasant Park. At each performance SBTS are able to accommodate six individuals on their accessible golf cart for the duration of the performance. To book one of these spots for your performance please email sbtshalifax@gmail.com with the date of your performance and number of individuals who require this service. Tickets range in price from PWYC (Suggestion Donation $20.00) at the Door or Online the Day of the Show (Bring Your Own Chair or a Blanket- or rent one when you arrive), to $34.20 (Tax Included) for a Sweet Seat or $57.00 (Tax Included) for a Sweetest Seat- tickets are available here. There is a 1:00pm matinee inside at the Halifax Central Library (5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax), August 16th, 2025.
The Unrehearsed Romeo and Juliet– a one night only experience where the company learns their own lines, crafts their own costume, and show up to perform in front of an audience with, you guessed it, no rehearsal, is August 31st, 2025 at 7:00pm. All sweet/est seats are sold out- there will be PWYC tickets available on the day of the performance. There’s still lots of space- the show goes ahead rain or shine- last years’ Torrential MacBeth sounds like it was really one for the books!
Shakespeare By the Sea is wheelchair accessible and anyone with accessibility needs can book a ride from the upper parking lot in Point Pleasant Park to the Cambridge Battery venue. Dogs are welcome, and all performances are Relaxed Performances. For more information about accessibility please visit this website or call 902.422.0295 for more information.
