The Information on: `The Merchant of Venice'

What Is It?

Trevor Nunn's inspired revival, set in a minimally evoked 1920s, offers new perspectives on Shakespeare's tragi-comedy. The production comes hot on the heels of two other high-profile but more doctrinaire interpretations - Peter Sellars's LA riots version and Peter Zadek's stock market take.

Who's In It?

Henry Goodman is a magnificent Shylock, with David Bamber as the merchant and Derbhle Crotty as Portia. Chu Omambala as the Prince of Morocco and Raymond Coulthard as the Prince of Aragon offer a delightful comic dimension.

What They Say About It

"Nunn's wonderfully considered interpretation finds liberating contradiction and complexity at every turn... a deeply rewarding experience," Paul Taylor, The Independent.

"In this production an over-familiar play seems new-minted. It is another remarkable success for the National's increasingly indispensable ensemble," Charles Spencer, The Daily Telegraph.

Where You Can See It

The Merchant of Venice is at the Cottesloe, National Theatre, London SE1 (0171-452 3000)