• 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

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

INTERVIEW / Fraser Grace talks about Bliss at the Finborough Theatre

Written by Fraser Grace (Breakfast with Mugabe, RSC), Bliss is based on a short story by censored writer Andrey Platonov. It’s at Finborough [Read More]

NEWS / Japanese Romeo and Juliet to the songs of Queen announced

Coming to Sadler’s Wells in September as part of its world tour, A Night At The Kabuki is a retelling [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Paul O’Donnell talks about Shoot Festival

Shoot Festival returns this year with a mix of commissioned pieces and showcases of the best of Coventry’s arts scene. [Read More]

Review / The Man who Knew Too Much at Omnibus Theatre

A packed Omnibus Theatre lapped up the entertaining antics of The Man Who Knew Too Much. Co-Director and Co-writer Olivia [Read More]

Spotlight / Inua Ellams at 05Fest Lewisham

Inua Ellams, the Albany and WE ARE LEWISHAM  presents………. 05Fest, 10 – 19 March Poetry takes front and centre stage [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • Katy Owen: Auditioning for Oxford School of Drama
  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Writing the Perfect Press Release
  • Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare's Globe
  • Pilgrims at the Yard Theatre
  • Sarah Bodalbhai on Escape from Planet Trash
  • Forced Entertainment announce new award in memory of Huw Chadbourn
  • Does Small to Mid Scale Theatre Touring Actually Work?
  • The RSC's King Lear at the Barbican
  • 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 © 2022 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

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

      Email sent!