We were pleased be the sponsors of the Chapterhouse Theatre production of "The Merchant of Venice" which took place in Shobrooke Park on Friday 23 July.

It was a pleasant evening, and stayed dry throughout.  The Chapterhouse production was excellent and was performed in the beautiful setting of the open air amphitheatre in front of the lake.

Bassanio is a young noble wishing to court the beautiful and wealthy heiress Portia.  His merchant friend Antonio agrees to guarantee a loan for him.  Bassanio arranges the loan with Jewish moneylender Shylock, who hates Antonio for insulting his faith and undermining his business.  The loan is given on condition that if the debt is not repaid by Antonio by a certain date, Shylock may take a pound of flesh.

Portia's father's will forces suitors to take a gamble and, after others fail, Bassanio chooses correctly.  Antonio's ships are reported lost and Shylock has him arrested.  Portia and Bassanio have married, as have Gratiano and Portia's maid Nerissa.  Both men promised to always keep their wedding rings safe.  They hear of Antonio's arrest and go to save him.

At court Bassanio offers Shylock money, but he demands his pound of flesh.  Portia and Nerissa arrive disguised as a lawyer and his clerk and they demand mercy.  When Shylock refuses, they point out a flaw in the contract it entitles Shylock to a pound of flesh but no blood, so if he sheds a drop of blood he breaks the agreement.  Shylock is unable to do anything and Portia cites a law that condemns Shylock for being a Jew who attempted to take the life of a Venetian citizen & forces him to forfeit his property.

In gratitude, Bassanio and Gratiano are persuaded to give their wedding rings to the lawyer and his clerk, unaware that they are their wives.  Later the women pretend to accuse their husbands before revealing the truth, and Portia gives Antonio the good news that his ships are safely returned.

It was a very strong cast, including an outstanding performance by Annabel Bates as Portia. 

Our thanks to Jack and Clare Shelley for arranging a delightful evening and we look forward to Chapterhouse returning to Shobrooke Park.