no doubt further cement the Almeida as one of the most interesting theatres in London. If you are a Shakespeare traditionalist you may want to brace yourself. Not only is this version swapping its canals for desert, it’s also repositioning Antonio as a homosexual gambler in love with Bassanio and Portia as the prize on a TV show named Destiny. But, this is what Goold does and with astonishing success. His much-praised version of Macbeth from 2010 was relocated to the Soviet Union and the witches presented as hospital nurses. The reworking of these old tales re-establishes them and their relevance to a different time. The character of Shylock, who is continually at the centre of debates around anti-Semitism, becomes a casino owner with a servant who is an Elvis impersonator. His treatment and eventual (spoiler!) trial exposes the farcical system that makes these judgements in the first instance, and where better to make this point than in a town renowned for debauchery, excess (of all kinds), yet filled with chapels? Goold’s hyper version of this strange and controversial play is a must-see and runs until 14^th February 2015. (Words: Laura Thornley) For more info visit: http://www.almeida.co.uk/event/themerchantofvenice  

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