Booking to 11 November 2023
Thrilling new Shakespeare adaptation The Merchant of Venice 1936 starring Tracy-Ann Oberman as Shylock.
Tracy-Ann Oberman (EastEnders, Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner) stars as Shylock in this extraordinary new production based on Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.
This thought-provoking and timely reimagining relocates the action to an electrifying new setting; London in 1936.
With the city on the brink of political unrest, fascism sweeping across Europe and Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists threatening a paramilitary march through the Jewish East End, strong-willed single mother Shylock runs a pawnbroking business from her house in Cable Street where Mosley will march. When charismatic, antisemitic aristocrat 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?
The Merchant of Venice 1936 is playing at Wilton’s Music Hall in London from 7 to 11 November 2023.
What's the story of The Merchant of Venice 1936?
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?
Who is in the cast of The Merchant of Venice 1936?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Shylock
Raymond Coulthard – Antonio
Hannah Morrish – Portia
Adam Buchanan – Bassanio
Jessica Dennis – Nerissa
Priyank Morjaria – Lorenzo
Gráinne Dromgoole – Jessica
Xavier Starr – Gratiano
Alex Zur – Yuval
Who are the creative team of The Merchant of Venice 1936?
Brigid Larmour Director
Guy Rapacioli Assistant Director on placement from East 15
Liz Cooke Costume and Set Designer
Rory Beaton Lighting Designer
Erran Baron Cohen Composer
Sarah Weltman Sound Designer
Richard Katz Movement
Greta Zabulyte Video Editor
Reviews of The Merchant of Venice 1936
★★★★ "A striking, slick adaptation" - The Guardian★★★★ "Oberman gives a galvanising central performance" - Financial Times
Show Information
Show Photos
Venue Information
Wilton's Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley , London, E1 8JBNearest Tube or Train: Tower Hill, Shadwell, Aldgate East
Nearest Buses: 100, N551
Ticket Information
Official London Theatre tickets for The Merchant of Venice 1936 at the Wilton's Music Hall, London
Book tickets to The Merchant of Venice 1936 at the Wilton's Music Hall, London with WestendTheatre.com. You will be purchasing official London theatre tickets from an authorised retailer and member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers.