Gold lame curtains, hoodies and hi-vis – we wouldn’t naturally associate them with Shakespeare, but this is the world of the new production of The Merchant of Venice, currently playing at Drayton Arms Theatre. Take a look at the production images, then book your tickets.
The classic play, staged by Poetic Justice Productions and Wolf Sister Productions, runs at the Drayton Arms Theatre until 19 October.
Antonio, a merchant, needs a loan. His friend, Bassanio, needs a rich wife in order to clear his debts. Portia, a wealthy heiress, is reduced to a prize that men must gamble for. Beneath the charmed surface, all are at risk and everyone needs a win. As for Shylock, the despised money-lender? All he wants is revenge, In a city run by greed, in the grip of carnival chaos, what price must you pay for love? Can you hope for justice in a society without tolerance? And for the outsider, is vengeance the closest he can get to winning?
400 years after it was first staged, The Merchant of Venice continues to trouble and challenge audiences with its world of prejudice and greed. This society is harsh and everyone in it is morally grey. But all are human, and Shakespeare skillfully manipulates our feelings about the antagonist; but can he ultimately succeed?
Ashley Gunstock leads the cast as Shylock. He’s joined in the production by Dan Burman, Genie Kaminski, Kevin G Drury, Michael Skellern and Zoe Lambrakis. Alex Pearson directs.
Production gallery
