The Merchant of Venice Theatre Break

Set in 14th Century Venice The Merchant of Venice play is a dark comedy following the exploits of Bassanio, a Venetian of noble rank, as he tries to woo beautiful heiress Portia.

In the rich settings of Venice Bassanio needs money to travel to Belmont and win the hand of the beautiful and wealthy Portia. He asks his merchant friend Antonio who has helped him out on many occasions to lend him the money. As Antonio’s ships are all out to sea he has no cash but agrees to act as guarantor if Bassanio can find someone to loan him the money. Bassanio approaches the moneylender Shylock, who makes it a condition of the loan that if Antonio is unable to repay the loan then he may take a pound of his flesh.

In Belmont suitors are asked to select the correct casket from Gold, Silver and lead. Putting greed aside Bassanio correctly selects the lead casket and wins the hand of Portia. News reaches them that Antonio’s boats are missing and he is on trial for non payment of his loan with Shylock seeking his pound of flesh.

Back in Venice and proceedings commence to save Antonio from his fate. With greed, love and hate at the heart of the matter tensions rise. Bassanio's offer 6,000 ducats, twice the amount of the loan but Shylock’s pride has the offer refused and it is only when Portia dressed as Balthazar finds a loophole in the contract that Antonio can be released.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Associate Director Rupert Goold directs Patrick Stewart as Shylock in the Merchant of Venice play at Stratford.

Final show times for The Merchant of Venice play are subject to change and specific cast members cannot be guaranteed for every performance.

You can only purchase tickets for The Merchant of Venice with hotel accommodation, and the number of tickets you request must be the same as the number of hotel guests.