A pirate ship, gun-yielding women, and steam punk costumes are integrated into Shakespeare's early comedy Love's Labour's Lost, put on by the Emerald Pig Theatrical Society.

This year's Bard on the Bandstand is at its midway point with three shows in Pitt Meadows held last weekend - Friday's was cancelled because of the wet weather - and four shows scheduled from Thursday to Sunday at Memorial Peace Park.

With appearances from local politicians - Pitt Meadows Mayor Deb Walters and Maple Ridge Councillor Corisa Bell - a colourful cast of characters entertained an enthusiastic audience at the amphitheatre by City hall.

After Thursday's opening night, Friday's evening's performance at Spirit Square was cancelled, but Saturday's and Sunday's performances went ahead as scheduled and director Sharon Malone said the shows were "fabulous" with very few glitches.

Directed by Malone and produced by Kathleen Hatley, this Shakespearean play is the seventh one put on by the Emerald Pig Theatrical Society, and this is the third year it is put on in Pitt Meadows as well.

The first year Bard on the Bandstand was put on - A Midsummer Night's Dream - organizers didn't know if anyone would show up. They put out 50 chairs - but then 500 people showed up, Malone said.

The first year was a two-day festival and was put on through volunteer labour and donations from businesses.

"It was very shoestring in 2005," Malone said.

The productions have evolved on the past seven years and performers now come from all over the region to take part in Bard on the Bandstand, Malone said.

"A lot of actors look at it as a challenge," she said.

Malone said if it is raining she will make a call in the afternoon whether to run the show or not. If it's overcast or sprinkling, the show will go ahead.

But the weather forecast is for sun with a few clouds and warm temperatures as the show moves to Memorial Peace Park.

"I think we're in for a really good run in Maple Ridge," Malone said.

Love's Labour's Lost moves to Maple Ridge this week. Performances are at the bandstand in Memorial Peace Park on July 26, 27, and 28 at 8 p.m. with pre-show entertainment at 6:30 p.m. A matinee performance is at 1 p.m. on July 29 with pre-show entertainment at noon.