- Venue Richmond Theatre, London
- Performance dates Booking to 12 April 2025
- Running time 2 hours (including interval)
- Age guidelines 12+
Get Tickets for The Merchant of Venice 1936 starring Tracy-Ann Oberman in London.
Experience the thrilling new adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, starring Tracy-Ann Oberman, as it returns to London by popular demand.
Set against the backdrop of London in 1936, this extraordinary reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tale explores themes of ambition, power, and political unrest. With fascism sweeping Europe and Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists threatening a march through the Jewish East End, Shylock—a strong-willed single mother and pawnbroker—faces a high-stakes deal with the antisemitic aristocrat Antonio.
Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman (EastEnders, Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner) as Shylock and Joseph Millson (The Last Kingdom, Moon Knight) as Antonio, this critically acclaimed production delivers an electrifying and timely twist on the classic drama.
Don’t miss your chance to see The Merchant of Venice 1936 live in London, playing Richmond Theatre from 8 to 12 April 2025.
It is London in 1936 – fascism is sweeping across Europe, and Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists is threatening to march through the Jewish East End.
Shylock (Tracy-Ann Oberman) is a survivor of anti-Semitic pogroms in Russia. A widow, she runs a small business from her dark and cramped terraced house in Cable Street, hoping to give daughter Jessica a better future.
When aristocratic anti-semite Antonio desperately needs a loan, he makes a dangerous bargain with this woman he has spat on in the street. Will Shylock, bitter from a life plagued by racism and abuse, take her revenge?
Videos & Photos
Stars and Creatives
Who is in the cast of The Merchant of Venice 1936?
Stars Tracy-Ann Oberman as Shylock, Joseph Millson as Antonio, Georgie Fellows as Portia, Evie Hargreaves as Mary / Nerissa, Mikhail Sen as Lorenzo / Maharajah and Elly Roberts as Stefania / Blackshirt, Gavin Fowler as Bassanio, Grainne Dromgoole as Jessica, Xavier Starr as Gratiano, and Alex Zur as Yuval / The Duke / Blackshirt.
Who are the creative team of The Merchant of Venice 1936?
Written by William Shakespeare
Director Brigid Larmour and Associate Director Tracy-Ann Oberman, with Costume and set design by Liz Cooke, Lighting design by Rory Beaton, Sound design by Sarah Weltman, Video design by Greta Zabulyte, Composer Erran Baron Cohen, and Movement directors Annabel Arden and Leah Hausman.
Important Notes
Content warning: This is an adaptation of the original text, which contains themes of racism, including anti-Semitism.
Venue Information
Richmond Theatre , 1 Little Green Richmond, London, TW9 1QJ
Nearest Tube or Train: Richmond
Nearest Buses: 110, 190, 490, 493, 65, H37
Google
AppleCritics' reviews of The Merchant of Venice 1936
★★★★★ “An astonishing, full-blooded performance” - METRO (previous venues)
★★★★ "A commendable, accomplished and brave venture" - The Telegraph (Criterion Theatre)
★★★★ "A striking, slick adaptation" - The Guardian (previous venues)
★★★★ "Oberman gives a galvanising central performance" - Financial Times (previous venues)
★★★★ "Tracy-Ann Oberman is a magnetic Shylock" - The Stage (previous venues)
★★★★ "Tracy-Ann Oberman’s sharp study of antisemitism" - i News (previous venues)
"The year's most important Shakespeare production" - Telegraph (previous venues)
Frequently Asked Questions
News about The Merchant of Venice 1936
Joseph Millson to join Tracy-Ann Oberman in The Merchant of Venice 1936 at the Trafalgar Theatre in London
The Merchant of Venice 1936 starring Tracy-Ann Oberman returns to the West End playing the Trafalgar Theatre
The Merchant of Venice 1936 Reviews [Updated]
The Merchant of Venice 1936 to transfer to the West End’s Criterion Theatre in London starring Tracy-Ann Oberman
The Merchant of Venice 1936 to play Wilton’s Music Hall in London
The Merchant of Venice 1936 UK tour announced starring Tracy-Ann Oberman
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