• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

The Merchant of Venice- Shakespeare’s Globe

June 1, 2015 by Carmen Paddock Leave a Comment

Review of: The Merchant of Venice
Price:
£43/ 16/ 5

Reviewed by: Carmen Paddock
Rating:
5
On June 1, 2015
Last modified:June 1, 2015

Summary:

merry, bold but harrowing

More Details

Due to Shylock’s fate – far more horrifying in the present day than it was in Shakespeare’s time – it is easy to forget that this play is technically a comedy.  High spirits are not usually associated with modern productions, especially after the leaden Dustin Hoffman film adaptation.  Jonathan Munby’s directorial vision, however, is both hilarious and discomfiting by turns.  Before the play begins the actors swarm the stage in a wild Venetian mask, the revelry interrupted at its end to abuse two Jews.  This unscripted opening sets the tone for the entire show, one that is bold and unapologetic in merriment and grief, accompanied throughout by atmospheric live music.

Screen Shot 2015-06-01 at 23.24.58

The entire cast delivers strong, memorable performances, making their characters sympathetic without erasing their ugly qualities; no one in the play is a saint, but no one can be called the villain either.  In an extraordinarily successful instance of art imitating life, the headliner Jonathan Pryce (Game of Thrones) and his daughter Phoebe stand out among the strong cast as Shylock and his daughter Jessica.  The elder Pryce commands the stage at every turn, hardened and vengeful only through the wrongs heaped on him.  The younger Pryce brings a delicacy to the often under-appreciated daughter, lending her both an impetuousness and acute awareness of her choices.  This is also one of the only productions which sold Lorenzo and Jessica’s relationship as a genuine love story, perhaps the most well-matched of the play’s three.  Lastly, this performance’s harrowing final image – notably without the Globe’s trademark dancing – will not be easily forgotten.

The Merchant of Venice continues at Shakespeare’s Globe until 7th June

CAST

Stefan Adegbola Lancelot Gobbo

Michael Bertenshaw  Duke of Venice/Tubal

Philip Cox  Balthasar

Scott Karim Prince of Morocco

Ben Lamb Lorenzo

Daniel Lapaine Bassanio

Christopher Logan  Prince of Arragon

Dominic Mafham Antonio

Brian Martin Salarino

Dorothea Myer-Bennett Nerissa

Regé-Jean Page Solanio

Rachel Pickup Portia

Jonathan Pryce Shylock

Phoebe Pryce Jessica

David Sturzaker  Gratiano

Directed by

Jonathan Munby

Designed by

Mike Britton

Composed by

Jules Maxwell

Choreographed by

Lucy Hind

Author: Carmen PaddockTheatre goer and theatre writer
T: Twitter

Filed Under: Review Tagged With: Jonathan Pryce, Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare's Globe

Join the discussion Cancel reply

Review / The Journey To Venice at the Finborough Theatre

Bjorg Vik’s play The Journey To Venice is a delightful production, entertaining yet full of pathos. A play with a [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Tzarini Meyler talks KITES at VAULT Festival

We spoke to Artistic Director of LipZinc Theatre, writer and performer Tzarini Meyler about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Naomi Westerman talks BATMAN (aka Naomi’s Death Show)

We spoke to writer and performer Naomi Westerman from Little But Fierce about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival Can [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 

From New Perspectives, The Swearing Jar is a comedy about love, heartbreak, living with the past and accepting the future. We spoke to director Angharad [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Unleash The Llama talks Five Years With The White Man

We spoke to the creators of Five Years With The White Man about the upcoming show coming to VAULT Festival [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • Tim Edge talks Under the Black Rock
  • Writing the Perfect Press Release
  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Katy Owen: Auditioning for Oxford School of Drama
  • Crowdfunding In Theatre - An Overview
  • The Pros and Cons of Crowdfunding
  • Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 
  • Jane Eyre at the National Theatre
  • Is this the real location of Ambridge?
  • Complicité's A Minute Too Late at the National Theatre
  • Carmen Paddock
    Author

  • June 1st, 2015
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • FacebookTweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!