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.

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

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

15 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Nancie W
Solo
Verified booking
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 R
Couple
Verified booking
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 B
Solo
Verified booking
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 R
Couple
Verified booking
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.
Sarah B
Group
Verified booking
Jan 2025

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.