Calgary's Shakespeare by the Bow cancels 14 shows because of weather

Calgary's soggy summer has impacted numerous activities and events but for an outdoor Theatre Calgary production, the weather failed to dampen spirits.

Prince's Island Park set the scene for Hamlet, the choice for the 28th season of Shakespeare by the Bow and on its final day of performances there wasa break from the wet weather.

• Rainy nights keep crowds away from Shakespeare by the Bow
• Shakespeare in the Park's 'Hamlet'

Julie Hopwood-Jones was glad she caught the show before it was too late.

"I thought it was absolutely amazing," Hopwood-Jones told CBC News Sunday.

"My props to them for actually performing in such heat and sunshine, it's been crazy. We did try to come down previously, but it was raining."

Organizers had to cancel 14 shows this year because of rain and thunderstorms.Program director Haysam Kadri saidthe cancelations aredisappointing for the performers and volunteers.

"When you get your adrenaline up to perform and then you cancel the show, it's a big downer so the optimum performance is great weather," Kadri explained.

He says the weather is a constant that they have to work with.

"The weather was the weather this year, and we couldn't do anything about it, but we ended off on a strong note and often times people are excited to come see us during the summer, so we're going to keep doing what we're doing weather or not," Kadri said.

"And we look forward to growing every year and bringing more patrons out to see the talent we have on stage."

He says having a dry day on Sunday generateda huge audience turnout, giving the show a big finish.

"To have over 500 people on the hill is a testament to the cultural institution that we've created at Shakespeare by the Bow."

Kadri says each year 10,000 people see the shows over the course of the season.

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