The acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice starring Tracy-Ann Oberman as Shylock is heading to the Criterion Theatre in the West End.
The Merchant of Venice 1936 is directed and adapted by Brigid Larmour from an idea by co-creator Tracy Ann-Oberman (EastEnders, Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner), and stars Oberman as Shylock.
The drama is set in 1930’s London on the brink of political unrest and with fascism sweeping across Europe.
In the play, 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?
Joining Tracy-Ann and reprising their roles are Raymond Coulthard (Emmerdale, Hotel Babylon) in the roles of Antonio and Arragon, Hannah Morrish (Antony and Cleopatra, Father Brown) as Portia, Gavin Fowler (Henry V, King Lear) as Bassanio, Jessica Dennis (The Habit of Art) as Mary and Nerissa, Grainne Dromgoole (Romeo and Juliet) as Jessica, Xavier Starr (The Mechanicals Presents… Macbeth or Julius Caesar) as Gratiano, Alex Zur (Hamlet, A Level Playing Field) as Yuval/The Duke/Balthasar/Blackshirt (member of the British Union of Fascists), and Nancy Farino (Masters of the Air) as Stefania/Blackshirt (member of the British Union of Fascists) .
The play originally started its run at Watford Palace Theatre in February 2023 and has played a number of other UK venues including the RSC’s Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and Wilton’s Music Hall in London.
Joining Brigid Larmour in the creative team are Costume and Set Design by Liz Cooke, Lighting Design by Rory Beaton, Sound Design by Sarah Weltman, and Video Design by Greta Zabulyte. The Composer is Erran Baron Cohen, and Annabel Arden is Associate / Movement Director.
Tracy-Ann Oberman said in a statement: “It has been a lifelong cherished dream of mine to bring this play to the stage in a new way, reimagining Shylock as one of the tough, no nonsense Jewish matriarchs I grew up around. The love we have experienced from theatre audiences around the country for the way that this story is told has propelled us into the West End. I’m delighted that my dream has touched hearts and minds along the way. This transfer to the Criterion – which could not be more timely – will continue to spread the message that we are stronger together.”
Currently playing at the Criterion Theatre is Unbelievable, until 7 January 2024.
The Merchant of Venice 1936 is playing at the Criterion Theatre from 15 February to 23 March 2024.
Book tickets to The Merchant of Venice 1936 at the Criterion Theatre in London
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