“In the Merchant of Venice, only Portia’s appearance in court and her implacable logic saves Antonio from Shylocks Knife” What if she never came to Venice? Bassanio’s played by Ollie Hiemann need for money to woo Portia Ruby Rutherston sets in motion the events that lead to the trial. So many unanswered questions play tricks with our mind as to why there is hatred between Shylock Danielle Farrow and Antonio Gabriel Bird the merchant. This plot sets the scene for A Pound of Flesh and in true Shakespearean style navigates through the layers of truth and tragedy. The loan has a treacherous clause that comes to bare.
The staging is simplistic, with two benches, subdued lighting and music filling the void with drama and intrigue. Narration commences with Michael- Robert Brown who plays the role of Doge and the messenger. Don’t let the simplicity of the staging fool you that this play lacks depth. A Pound of Flesh as a play has depth of character and is notable, due to the inclusion of the tragic elements from Romeo and Juliet. A symbiotic use of Shakespearean brilliance. The acting is pitch perfect, exquisite with each line of Shakespeare’s prose landing in all the right places. This is the last night of their Edinburgh fringe and there are no signs of fatigue, demonstrating the professionalism and commitment to tell this story.
The relationship between Shylock and Antonio draws attention to the challenges of faith where revengeful hatred festers. Antonio’s acceptance and rational thinking following his judgement is the balance of power between two people who know they have wronged.
Antonio acknowledges his fate is deserved.
It moved at a quick pace and possibly due to the restrictions of timings, this play would have benefited from the court scene being staged in a court for example. This could have provided the audience with the clarity of the plot’s timeline, for those less familiar. However, the attention to detail of the actors ensured there was no confusion.
William Shakespeare’s plays are not for everyone, with this genre appealing to those who adore it. A Pound of Flesh strips this back to a place that will appeal to audiences unfamiliar with the language and tales of love and tragedy.
A Pound of Flesh is a fusion of Shakespeare’s classic scenes, it is modern and translatable, sheer brilliance.
Written by William Shakespeare
Playwright Martin Foreman
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 21st August 2025
North West End UK Rating