The Merchant Of Venice By William Shakespeare

Artistic director Mark Thomson leads the company into the new season with Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice - a controversial and politically charged drama that is surely as resonant for audiences today as was in the 16th century.

Set between the commercial world of Venice and the seemingly idyllic world of Belmont, Shakespeare explores issues of prejudice, the true meaning of justice and the relationship between love and money, in a tense and powerful drama that climaxes with a gripping courtroom showdown.

Bassanio, a noble but impoverished Venetian, asks his friend Antonio for a loan to win the love of the beautiful heiress Portia. Antonio agrees, but is forced to borrow the money from the Jewish moneylender Shylock, who insists he sign a deadly contract to honour the debt with a pound of his own flesh. Unable to meet Shylock's deadline, Antonio seems doomed to become the victim of an inflexible law, unless his inspired young lawyer can save him from his gruesome fate.

Jimmy Chisholm (A Life in the Theatre) heads up a strong cast that includes Liam Brennan (Othello), Neil McKinven (The Breathing House), Steven McNicoll (Laurel & Hardy), Ruth Connell (Faust), and Lyceum newcomer Neve McIntosh (Gormenghast) as Portia. Also appearing are Gavin Kean, Richard Conlon, Eric Barlow, Mark McDonnell, Robert Jack, Suzanne Donaldson, Christopher John Hall and Harry Smith.
Lyceum artistic director Mark Thomson leads the creative team with designer Gregory Smith (As You Like It), assistant designer Jessica Brettle (Faust), lighting designer Chris Davey (Anna Karenina), and musical director Philip Pinsky (Faust).

By www.lyceum.org.uk