Plays

The Merchant of Venice 1936 Tickets

Join Shylock, a moneylender and single mother, as she fights for her and her daughter's safety in an anti-semitic 1930s London, in this adaptation of Shakespeare's classic.

Why watch Merchant of Venice 1936

The modern re-telling of Shakespeare's drama, The Merchant of Venice, perfectly captures the political unrest of 1930s London, the rise of anti-semitism, and a woman's power even when faced with brutality. Directed by Brigid Larmour and with renowned actress Tracy-Ann Oberman playing the role of Shylock, Merchant of Venice 1936 promises to be a magnetic and powerful play. The drama had a sold-out run at The Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and has been nominated for 'Best Play Revival' in the 'What's On Stage 2024' awards.

The story

At the heart of this tale is Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, widow, and single mother, living in 1930s fascist London with her daughter. When anti-semitic forces start rising in London's East End, she knows she must fight for her and her daughter's safety. How will she fight for survival? Why does she decide to seek vengeance? Buy tickets to Merchant of Venice 1936 to find out.

Great for

Drama lovers | Fans of Shakespeare

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Reviews

4.1

14 ratings

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Nancie

4/5

Mar, 2024

The seat was perfect especially since I purchased at the last minute. The sets were mesmerizing and memorable given the re-staging from a previous era and the appropriate timeliness of the anti-semitism issue. And the theater was charming, tho a bit difficult for me to navigate. The cast was the very best, so much more than I expected.

Louise

5/5

Mar, 2024

Performance and adapted script. The link between the messages in the original and adapted plays, plus the troubles in the Middle East, 2024, are powerful and alarming

Paul

3/5

Feb, 2024

While the performances were good, and the show overall enjoyable, I'm afraid the Shakespearean language made me feel like closing my eyes. Not a shock to me, but I'd hoped for more 1936 language than that of Shakespeare's time - pretty naive of me, I suppose.

Frances

5/5

Feb, 2024

The play was amazing. We really enjoyed the new adaptation. It was very powerful with the videos and photos. With the rise of anti-Semitism in the world these days, it shone a light on the issue. The acting was excellent as well. We came to London from the US to see theater and we were not disappointed.

Gillian

5/5

Mar, 2024

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Know before you go

Show details

Genre: Play

Audience: Suitable for 12+

Theater Name: Trafalgar Theater

Theater Capacity: 629

Theater facilities: Bar, cloakroom, toilets

Theater accessibility: Accessible toilets, assistance dogs allowed, wheelchair accessible

Dress Code: Smart casual

Cast & Crew

Leading Roles: Tracy-Ann Oberman as Shylock
Direction: Brigid Larmour

Additional Tips

Most theaters are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
The theatre is accessible for wheelchair users, but size and weight restrictions apply.
Induction Loop Necklace and Headset hearing devices are available at the kiosk
Guide dogs are permitted in the auditorium.
The drama contains themes of racism, including anti-semitism.