A new adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is heading off on a tour of the UK.
The Merchant of Venice 1936 stars Tracy-Ann Oberman (EastEnders, Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner) as Shylock, with the drama set in 1930’s London on the brink of political unrest and with fascism sweeping across Europe.
The play starts its run at Watford Palace Theatre on 27 February, until 11 March 2023, and then visits HOME Manchester, playing from 15 to 25 March 2023.
The Merchant of Venice 1936 then travels to the RSC’s Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, before playing at the Wycombe Swan Theatre, Malvern Theatre, Churchill Theatre Bromley, New Theatre Cardiff and York Theatre Royal.
Alongside Tracy-Ann Oberman in the cast are Raymond Coulthard as Antonio; Hannah Morrish as Portia; Adam Buchanan as Bassanio; Jessica Dennis as Nerissa; Priyank Morjaria as Lorenzo; Gráinne Dromgoole as Jessica; Xavier Starr as Gratiano; and Alex Zur as Yuval.
The Merchant of Venice 1936 is directed and adapted by Brigid Larmour from an idea by co-creator Tracy Ann-Oberman.
Joining Brigid Larmour in the creative team are Costume and Set Design by Liz Cooke. The Lighting Designer is Rory Beaton and Sound Design is by Sarah Weltman. The Composer is Erran Baron Cohen.
Tracy-Ann Oberman said in a press statement: “It has a been a lifelong dream of mine to bring this play to the stage in a new way, reimagining Shylock as a one of the tough, no-nonsense Jewish matriarchs I grew up around. I am delighted this project is finally happening, and look forward to sparking debate and enlightening people about a pivotal but largely forgotten part of British history – just how close the establishment were to Oswald Mosley and his British Union Of Fascists. I started my career in the Swan RSC back in 1992 and so to play there again as Shylock is a ‘pinch me’ moment. I cannot wait to take this important, sharp, sexy and heartfelt production to theatres around the country.”
More about The Merchant of Venice 1936 tickets
The Merchant of Venice 1936 – UK Tour 2023
Watford Palace Theatre: 27 February – 11 March
HOME Manchester: 15 – 25 March
RSC Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon: 21 September – 7 October
Wycombe Swan Theatre, High Wycombe: 10 – 14 October
Malvern Theatres, Malvern: 17 – 21 October
Churchill Theatre, Bromley: 24 – 28 October
New Theatre, Cardiff Tuesday: 31 October – 4 November
York Theatre Royal, York: 14 – 18 November
