Lightbear Lane presents Wild Thyme Theatre in a rare performance of one of Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice”with a full, professional cast. Get into the mood by exploring our exhibition about impressions of Venice and enjoy refreshments at the bar from 6.45pm
‘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?’
(Shylock, Act 3 Scene 1)
For the inaugural South West Shakespeare Festival, join our company of professional actors for a script-in-hand performance of William Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice’ in the amazing surroundings of one of Exeter’s oldest buildings. Arrive early to explore the priory and enjoy a glass of wine while getting into the mood with our “Impressions of Venice” exhibition in the undercroft.
“The Merchant of Venice” is another of Shakespeare’s problem plays, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598. A Venetian merchant, Antonio, defaults on a large loan taken out on behalf of his dear friend, Bassanio, and provided by Jewish moneylender, Shylock, with seemingly inevitable fatal consequences. The play explores themes of risk and revenge, exposing the tension that can exist between what is legal and what is right. The play can potentially appear antisemitic, but our stripped back rehearsed reading will allow audiences to judge for themselves based on the text. Theatre should provoke and we hope the presentation sparks useful reflection and conversations about thorny topics that still have relevance today.
About
Building on the success of Titus Andronicus and Measure for Measure, Lightbear Lane is delighted to team up again with Wild Thyme Theatre, founded by Charlie Coldfield and Micha Colombo. The company works with professional actors to breathe new life into classical texts and they have successfully performed ‘Titus Andronicus’ and ‘Measure for Measure’ at St Nicholas Priory and Barnfield Theatre, Exeter. They share a vision with Lightbear Lane to create a focal point for Shakespeare, 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. We continue a series of rehearsed readings of lesser known and problematic classical plays, leading to fully staged productions and broader events in future. Follow them Wild Thyme Theatre on instagram and facebook @wildthymetheatre or email them for updates about future projects and to share your feedback
Directions
St Nicholas Priory is on Mint Lane with walking access from Fore Street or Bartholomew Street West.
The nearest car park is Mary Arches Street, which is a five-minute walk. Exeter Central railway station is a ten-minute walk. The bus station is a 15-minute walk with many buses stopping on the High Street which is ten minutes away.
Access
Unfortunately, due to the nature of this historic building, there is no wheelchair access for our upstairs rooms.
Facilities
Our outdoor toilet block can be made available on request.
If you have any questions or concerns about your visit please email [email protected]