The brain may devise laws for the blood, but a hot temper leaps o'er a cold decree.
— Portia, Act I Sc 2
A merchant risks life and limb to help his friend Bassanio pursue love, while the object of Bassanio's desire lies in a choice of three caskets.
Ancient grudges and fast judgements come into play as bonds are made and betrayed among the colourful characters of a city built on slippery decadence.
Court-room thriller, romantic comedy and social exploration are masterfully woven together in this controversial comedy-drama.
As the sun sets overhead and seagulls wheel on the sea breeze, be transported to the bustling canals and shady alleyways of Venice.
I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond.
Thou call'dst me dog before thou hadst a cause;
But, since I am a dog, beware my fangs.
— Shylock, Act III Sc 3
Cast
The Duke of Venice | Ian Wood |
Antonio, a merchant of Venice | Richard Carwardine |
Bassanio, his friend, suitor of Portia | Joe Kao |
Gratiano, friend of Antonio and Bassanio | Matthew Bellwood |
Salerio, friend of Antonio and Bassanio | Tim Buck |
Solanio, friend of Antonio and Bassanio | Tony Shepherd |
Portia, the Lady of Belmont | Mary Glynn |
Nerissa, Portia's waiting-woman | Beth Guiver |
Shylock, a Jew of Venice | Richard Mitchley |
Jessica, daughter of Shylock | Gemma Streat |
Lorenzo, in love with Jessica | Oscar Stafford |
Launcelot Gobbo, servant of Shylock | Henry Morris |
Old Gobbo, father of Launcelot | Geoffrey Summers |
Tubal, Shylock's friend | Ian Wood |
Leonardo, servant of Bassanio | Matt Watson-Power |
Lady of the Rialto | Emma Hall |
Balthasar, servant of Portia | Georgina Ferry |
Servant girl | Sophie Watson-Power |
Pages | Jaygo & Felix Watson-Power |
Magnificoes and Clerks | Jane Morris, Ann Shepherd, Ann Christys, Linda Kirk, Georgina Ferry |
Casketeers, | Jane Morris, Ann Shepherd, Ann Christys, Geoffrey Summers, Katie Weatherall, Linda Kirk |
Crew
Director | Amy Levene |
Assistant directors | Will Long & Henry Morris |
Voice coach | Linda Kirk |
Composer | Richard Morris |
Lighting designer & Technical director | David Long |
Technical support | Dominic Hargreaves |
Costume designer | Izzy Pellow |
Wardrobe & Props | Penny Miltiadou & Helen Groth |
Poster design | Amy Levene |
Front of House | Jane Hall |
Set | Robert Fitzmartin & Henry VIII |
Musicians
Bassoon/flute | Ben Hardy |
Horn | Laurence Matthews |
Percussion | Felix Watson-Power |
Keyboards | Henry Ward |
Violin/horn | Emma Booth |
Cello | Bob Dent |