The Merchant of Venice
by William Shakespeare

One of Shakespear's most gripping plays, The Merchant of Venice confronts the best and worst of human nature and boasts one of his most reviled, complex and compelling characters - Shylock the moneylender. A climactic courtroom drama and his cruel downfall will challenge your heart and your sense of justice. Barrie Rutter plays Shylock in this riveting drama filled with bitter words of hate, and the sublime poetry of love.
“Not the least of the virtues of this admirably lucid and involving production, is that it never ties itself into knots in an attempt to be politically correct……it is consistently fresh-minted and gripping, and, I suspect, closer to Shakespeare’s original intentions than many more feted productions.”
Charles Spencer The Daily Telegraph

“Highly enjoyable….If you have never seen The Merchant of Venice and didn’t know the story, this is a production that conveys it perfectly…. The tension when Bassanio chooses the casket or when Shylock sharpens his knife has you on the edge of your seat.”
Lyn Gardner The Guardian

“A typically lucid production from Northern Broadsides. There is never a dull moment.”
Michael Coveney Daily Mail

“Rutter cuts a charismatic figure on stage, and gets the job done in his brisk, no-nonsense manner…. (he) is never less than watchable and is in mesmerising form.”
Charles Spencer The Daily Telegraph

“True ensemble playing, fantastic timing and great music all combine to provide a very good night out!”
BBCi

“As with all Northern Broadsides’ productions, there is a real generosity of spirit and simplicity in the way the play is presented.”
Lyn Gardner The Guardian