"If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh?
If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?"

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Every evening (except Sunday) at 7.30pm Downing College Gardens

The Merchant of Venice

In sixteenth-century Venice, Antonio borrows money from Shylock, the Jewish moneylender whom he has publicly humiliated in the past. The loan is to be paid when Antonio’s ships return to the city. But if they should fail, and the money cannot be repaid, then Antonio shall pay a terrible price. In some of his most highly-charged scenes, Shakespeare dramatizes the competing claims of tolerance and intolerance, justice and mercy, whilst in the character of Shylock created the most memorable and tormented of outsiders in all theatre.

No knee-bending to trendy revisionism, but rather a tour-de-force of Elizabethan drama —The Times

Please note:Concession tickets: Please note, if you purchase a student concession ticket, you will need to bring proof of eligibility when you arrive at the venue. Student concessions only apply to those with proof of being in full-time education (for example, ISIC or Student Union cardholders) and those under 18 years of age. Other categories for concession tickets include OAP's (over 65), unemployed and disabled. Temporary 'student' cards issued for those attending summer courses are not accepted.

All performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets are sent via email to the email address entered during the checkout process - please ensure this is correct.

Special Charity Performance

A special charity performance of The Merchant of Venice will be held on Saturday 15 August 2026 at 2.00pm. Tickets for these performances are only available on the door and payment is by cash only. More information about charity performances