The Merchant of Venice 1936

Tue 4 Feb to Sat 8 Feb 2025

PLAYHOUSE

£11 - £41

"The perfect example of how to do Shakespeare"
(Metro)

Ambition, power and political unrest explode onto the stage in The Merchant of Venice 1936, direct from selling out the RSC and London’s West End.

Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman (EastEnders, Doctor Who) as Shylock, Shakespeare’s classic is transported to 1930s Britain in this “striking and impactful” (Guardian) new production that “makes theatre history” (The Telegraph). It is adapted by Brigid Larmour and Tracy-Ann Oberman.

Tensions in London’s East End are rising and Shylock, a resilient single mother and hard-working businesswoman, is desperate to protect her daughter’s future. When the charismatic merchant Antonio comes to her for a loan, a high-stakes deal is struck. Will Shylock take her revenge, and who will pay the ultimate price?

If you prick us do we not bleed?
If you poison us do we not die?
And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?

Don’t miss this unforgettable, electrifying new production of The Merchant of Venice, a “fascinating and timely” (Daily Mail) reminder of a key moment in British history.

merchantofvenice1936.co.uk

Cast

Gráinne Dromgoole - Jessica

Gráinne Dromgoole

Jessica

Georgie Fellows - Portia

Georgie Fellows

Portia

Gavin Fowler - Bassanio

Gavin Fowler

Bassanio

Evie Hargreaves - Mary / Nerissa

Evie Hargreaves

Mary / Nerissa

Joseph Millson - Antonio / Arragon

Joseph Millson

Antonio / Arragon

Tracy-Ann Oberman - Shylock

Tracy-Ann Oberman

Shylock

Elly Roberts - Stefania / Blackshirt

Elly Roberts

Stefania / Blackshirt

Mikhail Sen - Lorenzo / Maharajah

Mikhail Sen

Lorenzo / Maharajah

Xavier Starr - Gratiano / Police Constable

Xavier Starr

Gratiano / Police Constable

Alex Zur - Yuval / Balthasar / Blackshirt / Duke

Alex Zur

Yuval / Balthasar / Blackshirt / Duke

Company

Director Brigid Larmour

Associate Director Tracy-Ann Oberman

Costume and Set Design Liz Cooke

Lighting Design Rory Beaton

Sound Design Sarah Weltman

Composer Erran Baron Cohen