Outdoor performance of The Merchant of Venice
Mayhem Theatre Company is back in Wimbledon following previous sell out productions of Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
The beautiful setting of Cannizaro Park provides a stunning backdrop for this year’s open-air performances of Shakespeare's most highly-charged tale.
In Venice, Bassanio needs money in order to woo the wealthy heiress, Portia. Antonio, one of Venice’s leading merchants, promises to help, but to do so must guarantee a loan from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender who drives a very hard bargain. When Antonio’s ships are wrecked, Shylock calls in his gruesome debt, and it’s up to Antonio’s friends to save him.
Performed with amplified sound in the outdoor splendour of the Italian Gardens, Mayhem presents a dramatic new production that beautifully intertwines the conflicting claims of resilience and prejudice, justice and mercy.
We saw Thursday night's performance and were impressed with the acting range demonstrated by the cast. The women playing male characters were particularly memorable - with Maria Jones especially convincing as Lancelot.
George Still was an accomplished Shylock and Leon Hernandez made the audience smile as he was transformed from one of Portia's suitors to another. There were a few other humorous touches, which lightened the mood and helped make for a memorable evening.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/mayhem or call 07944 630213.
Please bring your own seating or rugs. Picnics are welcome. The performance will take place in the Italian Garden area of Cannizaro Park. Stewards will be available to direct audience members from the main gate. Toilets facilities and a cash only bar are available on site.
Performance Dates: Wednesday July 25 – Saturday July 28
Performance Venue: Cannizaro Park (Wimbledon).
July 27, 2018