Theatre / bill alexander
Review: The Merchant of Venice, Redgrave
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s budding thespians thoroughly live up to their reputation with this production, directed by acclaimed RSC professional Bill Alexander. Where there’s a laugh to be had they’ve gone for it, making for a modern-dress interpretation which blasts the cobwebs from this 400-year-old play.
The titular Merchant of Venice is Antonio, who gets a loan from Jewish moneylender Shylock to help out a dear friend. Bassanio needs the cash to woo his beloved Portia, and joins a host of suitors forced to play for Portia’s hand in a game (think Renaissance Deal or No Deal). But the whole plan unravels when Shylock demands a gory payment instead of his money, and it is left to a surprise young judge to exact justice.
What complicates the matter, and stops Shylock from being pure villain, is that the play is terribly anti-Semitic, which makes it uncomfortable to watch in places.
The first half might have been speeded by some generous editing of the clown scenes, though there are lovely moments of merry camaraderie between all of the characters. But it’s in the second half that things really get going: Matt Jessup’s brave, sustained performance as Shylock is extremely moving. Shining out elsewhere among the excellent ensemble cast, Sam Woolf plays an outstanding Bassanio opposite Kate Cavendish’s lively Portia.
What makes the acting shine are the dozens of fleeting moments in between the lines – such as the little ‘let’s to bed’ nods between lovers, and the ‘accidental’ forgetting of Jessica’s name (she is, if you’ve forgotten, Shylock’s daughter).
Even set changes are managed in character, so the world of Renaissance Venice remains delightfully intact. There are hints at props: a strawberry here, a knife there. Huge sails border the stage to remind us where we are: it’s a very elegant look.
If you like a meaty play done well, this one’s for you. It’ll leave you chuntering all the way home about the very modern problems of racism, marriage, and, quite possibly, remembering people’s names. Go at once.
The Merchant of Venice continues at the Redgrave Theatre, Clifton until Saturday, February 28. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.oldvic.ac.uk/whats-on/The-Merchant-of-Venice.html
Pics: Graham Burke Photography
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
