Shawnigan Players stage Shakespeare's Richard III in British Columbia

The community theatre group Shawnigan Players opened their production of Shakespeare’s Richard III on August 5, 2026. The performance took place at Gem O’ The Isle Farm, a rural venue provided by Ben and Patty Verduin, and featured a cast of 37 actors. First‑time director Nima Foell, assisted by co‑director Rob Foell, guided the troupe in a rendition that highlighted the play’s mix of melancholy and madness. Lead actor Svea Young portrayed Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, while the supporting cast included Roland Grahame as King Edward IV, Layne Kriwoken as George, Duke of Clarence, and Kate Steele as Lady Anne. Reviewers praised the production’s atmospheric setting, the strong performances, and the cast’s ability to bring the historic drama to life amid orchard blooms and roaming chickens.