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 |