The Merchant of Venice
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, London from 2nd June to 6th October 2007
Portia, a wealthy heiress of Belmont, sets her suitors a challenge. He who
wins it will win her hand; those who lose it will lose her hand and much
more. In Venice, city of consumption, speculation and debt, Bassanio borrows
money from Antonio to finance his attempt. Antonio, in turn, takes out a
loan from the moneylender Shylock. The loan will be repaid when Antonio’s
ships return to the city. If they should fail and the money cannot be paid
Antonio shall give to Shylock a pound of his own flesh. And they do fail.
And Shylock will have his ‘bond’.
What the popular press had to say.....
NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "[John McEnery ] Bland
performance" LYN GARDNER for THE
GUARDIAN says, "The jolliest Merchant
I have ever seen." ALISTER SMITH for THE STAGE says, "One would
struggle to find a lighter, funnier version." SAM MARLOWE for THE
TIMES says, "Lack of vigour and conviction makes the whole slow going." CHARLES
SPENCER for THE
DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "The Globe has a knack of throwing
fresh light on plays, and so it proves again here." PAUL TAYLOR for
THE
INDEPENDENT says, "John McEnery gives such an anaemic performance
as a cadaverous Shylock that the character's memory fails to cast much guilt
over the final act."
For all additional information and booking details, visit the Globe web
site: www.shakespeares-globe.org
Audience's reviews: No audience reviews
