Tracy-Ann Oberman (Doctor Who, Eastenders) will star in The Merchant of Venice 1936, as it transfers into the West End at the Criterion Theatre on February 15th.
Oberman will reprise her portrayal of the play’s principal villain, Shylock, and is the first British actress to play the role. Joining her will be a talented cast including Raymond Coulthard as Antonio and Arragon, Gavin Fowler as Bassanio, Hannah Morrish as Portia, Jessica Dennis as Mary and Nerissa, Xavier Starr as Gratiano, Grainne Dromgoole as Jessica, Alex Zur as Yuval/Balthasar/The Duke/Blackshirt (a member of the British Union of Fascists), and Nancy Farino as Blackshirt/Stefania.
In this reimagining of Shakespeare's classic play, London is teetering on the brink of political unrest as fascism sweeps across Europe, and the British Union of Fascists, led by the aristocrat Oswald Mosely, who is threatening to stage an inflammatory paramilitary march through the Jewish East End. Shylock is a Strong-willed single mother who runs a pawnbroking business from her home in Cable Street, exactly where Mosley plans to march. But when the antisemitic but charismatic aristocrat Antonio comes to her to ask for a loan, a deal is struck. Who will pay the ultimate price, and will Shylock take her revenge?
Speaking of her role as Shylock, Oberman commented: “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.”
The Merchant of Venice 1936 is directed and adapted by Brigid Larmour and will run at the Criterion from February 15th until 23rd March.
Booking & Theatre Information For The Merchant Of Venice 1936
The Criterion Theatre is an intimate West End theatre situated in Piccadilly Circus very heart of theatreland and has a capacity of 581 seats.
The auditorium generally offers good views throughout, however, some support pillars are dotted throughout the different sections, which can cause minor restrictions to the overall view of the stage in both the Stalls and Dress Circle.
Any restrictions are reflected in the ticket price and those seats affected are sold as restricted view however, it is highly recommended to study the seating plan in detail before purchase.
Premium seats in the theatre are located in both the front row of the Dress Circle in seats 12-21, and also in the centre of the Stalls section where the views of the stage are excellent.
Bargain hunters looking to book cheap tickets to The Merchant of Venice 1936 can take advantage of the number of pillars situated in the venue, as the price of some seats can be heavily reduced, and provide value depending on the severity of the restriction. The front row of the Upper Circle also offers excellent value for money in the seats towards the ends of the rows which provide a good view of the stage and are regularly discounted.