Watford Palace Theatre’s ground-breaking new production of one of Shakespeare’s most enduring classics starring Tracy-Ann Oberman, who makes history as the first British actress to play Shylock, embarks on a UK tour.
Ambition, power and political unrest explode onto the stage in The Merchant of Venice 1936 as Shakespeare’s classic is transported to 1930s Britain. Developed in association with HOME Manchester and with support from the Royal Shakespeare Company, this production is directed and adapted by Brigid Larmour from an idea by co-creator Tracy Ann-Oberman.
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?
Tracy-Ann Oberman said: “It has a been a lifelong dream of mine to bring this play to the stage in a new way, reimagining Shylock as a one of the tough, no-nonsense Jewish matriarchs I grew up around. I am delighted this project is finally happening and look forward to sparking debate and enlightening people about a pivotal but largely forgotten part of British history – just how close the establishment were to Oswald Mosley and his British Union of Fascists. I cannot wait to take this important, sharp, sexy and heartfelt production to theatres around the country.”
Joining Tracy-Ann and reprising their roles are Hannah Morrish who will play Portia, Raymond Coulthard in the roles of Antonio and Arragon, Gavin Fowler as Bassanio, Jessica Dennis as Mary and Nerissa, Grainne Dromgoole as Jessica, Xavier Starr as Gratiano, Priyank Morjaria as Lorenzo and Maharajah, as well as Alex Zur as Tuba, Duke, Waiter, and Valet.
Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA from Tue 24 – Sat 28 Oct.
Check website for times and booking: churchilltheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 0343 310 0020
