Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

About

The Merchant of Venice
Script-in-hand performance with a full, professional cast at St Nicholas Priory Exeter on 24th April 2026
Exhibition and introductory talk

Get into the mood by exploring our exhibition about impressions of Venice and enjoy refreshments at the bar from 6.45pm
Play and introductory talk: 7.30pm (with interval)

Join our company of professional actors for a script-in-hand performance of William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice', in the amazing surroundings of one of Exeters oldest buildings. Arrive early to explore the Priory and enjoy a glass of wine in the undercroft before the show.

The play is considered problematic. Shakespeare presents a flurry of action, often shocking in its intensity, featuring murder, cannibalism, rape and racism. Please be aware that it is at times not an easy play to watch. But the play is an invitation to reflect on the nature of authority and explores what happens when personal and political motivations mingle and clash to the extreme. Theatre should provoke and we hope the presentation sparks useful reflection and conversations about thorny topics that still have relevance today.

Building on the success of Titus Andronicus and Measure for Measure, Lightbear Lane is delighted to support Micha Colombo and Charlie Coldfields vision of Wild Thyme to create a focal point for Shakespeare in Exeter, giving audiences an entertaining experience of quality Shakespeare close to home and giving performers a platform to build community and develop their classical and sight-reading skills.

Whether you're a Shakespeare aficionado or simply curious, join us and discover what Shakespeare means for us in our city today. We are continuing with a series of rehearsed readings of lesser-known classical plays, leading to fully staged productions and broader events in future.