The Merchant of Venice

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The Merchant of Venice description

About The Merchant of Venice 1936

Bring one of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays roaring into the 20th century and this is what you get: The Merchant of Venice 1936. Set in the year 1936, as fascism overcomes Europe and in the UK the sinister Blackshirts emerge from the woodwork, it’s powerful stuff.

Shakespeare may have written his plays five hundred years ago but human behaviour doesn’t really change. That’s why the play is always such a hit, and this production is particularly good. As Metro says, “This is essential”.

The Merchant is on at the Trafalgar Theatre for a limited time from 28 December 2024, directed to perfection by Brigid Larmour. Described by The Telegraph as "Theatre history" it stars Tracy-Ann Oberman as Shylock and Raymond Coulthard as Antonio.

Shylock is a wise, hard working single mother and businesswoman. Her focus is her daughter’s future, and nothing will divert her from it. When the charming merchant Antonio asks Shylock for a loan she says yes. But when it turns out Antonio can’t pay her back, she spots an opportunity.

What's the story of The Merchant of Venice 1936?

Described by The Guardian as “striking and impactful”, The Merchant of Venice 1936 has been doing the rounds since February 2023, first at the Watford Palace Theatre then at a number of other venues including the HOME Manchester, RSC Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and Wilton’s Music Hall in London.

Who is starring in The Merchant of Venice 1936?

Grab the best theatre tickets for Merchant of Venice 1936 from our site and prepare to be thrilled by Raymond Coulthard’s performances as Antonio and Arragon. Hannah Morrish from Antony and Cleopatra and Father Brown plays Portia.

Gavin Fowler, who has played great roles in Henry V and King Lear, is Bassanio, and Jessica Dennis (The Habit of Art) plays Mary. Nerissa Grainne Dromgoole from Romeo and Juliet plays Jessica and Xavier Starr of The Mechanicals Presents… Macbeth or Julius Caesar plays Gratiano.

Alex Zur, who has played previous Shakespeare roles, is Yuval, The Duke, Balthasar and a member of the Blackshirts, the British Union of Fascists. Nancy Farino plays Stefania and a Blackshirt.

Who is on The Merchant of Venice 1936 creative team?

The creative team comprises Annabel Arden as Associate Director and Movement Director, and Costume and Set Design by Liz Cooke. The Lighting Design is by Rory Beaton and the Sound Design comes from Sarah Weltman. Video Design is by Greta Zabulyte and the Composer is Erran Baron Cohen.

Find quality tickets for The Merchant of Venice 1936

This is a play to remember! Get great quality, great price The Merchant of Venice 1936 tickets here, supported by excellent service and convenient e-tickets.

Playing at Trafalgar Theatre (venue info)

Performance Times for The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice video