It is true to say that without Italy there would be no Shakespeare. Our work is suffused with the appreciation that Italy influenced Shakespeare’s genius to create new means of expression about the human condition. The stories of ancient Rome came down to him through the works of Plutarch, Seneca and their contemporaries and adaptations from medieval Italian drama. His comedies and tragedies were inspired by and adapted from great Italian authors like Boccaccio, Ser Giovanni and Bandello.
A Merchant of Venice
Our first production ‘A Merchant of Venice’, opened at The Playground Theatre, Latimer Road, London W10 on November 10th 2021 - a six character version of the original text adapted and directed by our Associate Artist Bill Alexander.
Cast -
Portia / Baltazar - Lena Robin
Bassanio - Alexander Knox
Antonio, The Merchant - John McAndrew
Shylock - Peter Tate
Gratiano - Alex Wilson
Solania - Mary Chater






Production photos - © Guy Bell, GBPhotos.com