Gareth Armstrong as ShylockSHYLOCK

  • PREMIÈRED SEPTEMBER 1997 AT SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE
  • PRESENTED EDINBURGH FESTIVAL 1998 & 1999
  • OVER 500 TOURING PERFORMANCES DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY
  • PRESENTED BY GUY MASTERSON PRODUCTIONS
  • written & performed by Gareth Armstrong
  • directed by Frank Barrie
  • NOMINATED: THE STAGE BEST ACTOR 1998

When Shakespeare created Shylock in The Merchant of Venice he gave the theatre perhaps its most controversial character. The miser who seems to prefer his diamonds to his daughter and is prepared to kill to get his revenge is also a Jew. Over the centuries, Shylock has been protrayed by the finest actors of the day in many ways. More often than not, however, the interpretation would be a reflection of the times and the ways in which Jews were percieved in society. Shylock could be portrayed sensitively, compassionately but also caricatured á la Fagin in Oliver Twist. But Shylock refused to remain a caricature comic villain role and history gave the part many different and often disturbing dimensions.

There is one other Jewish man in the play, (indeed, in the whole of Shakespeare), Tubal, Shylock's only ally. His may be a minor role, but it is through his eyes Gareth Armstrong demonstrates how personalities and events have affected the modern perception of his infamous friend.

In his solo performance Gareth Armstrong conjures up the playwright, the players, the passions, and the prejudice in the 400 years of Shylock's turbulent life; from Pontius Pilate to Adolf Hitler, from Dracula to the Wandering Jew ... a kaleidoscope of real and legendary characters and throughout is the limitless richness of Shakespeare's language.

Shakespeare has taken Gareth Armstrong to over thirty countries worldwide as actor, director and teacher. Most recently he has played the title toles in Richard III and Macbeth as well as his highly acclaimed performances as Shylock in Salisbury Playhouse's The Merchant of Venice. He broadcasts regularly for the BBC and played Sean in the world's longest running radio series, The Archers.

Reviews:

Gareth Armstrong as Shylock "Shylock deserves to be packed out every show. It reflects the deepest love and understanding of Shakespeare's genius, and mixes us adeptly into the problems, pressures, traditions, censors prejudices and passions of Elizabethan theatre. Armstrong is everything... Nobody is likely to better his Shylock!" (The Scotsman 12/08/98)

"Armstrong is nothing short of incredible! Innovative, delightful, exceptional!" (The Independent)

"His wit and charm seduce... Outstanding!" (The Guardian)

"Armstrong's verse speaking is impeccable." (The Stage)

"Powerful...witty and intelligent...Armstrong gets right beneath the skin of the man who insists on his pound of flesh." (Western Daily Express)

"Anyone who is interested in Shakespeare or history, or who thinks they understand the issues within anti-Semitism should...no MUST see this play." (The Salisbury Journal)

Biographies:

Gareth Armstrong: Gareth is an associate artist at Salisbury Playhouse where he played Shylock in The Merchant of Venice and directed Rope and Hay Fever. Recent theatre credits include Oleanna and Richard III (Derby Playhouse). Seasons at regional theatres include Nottingham, Exeter, Bromley, Birmingham, Bristol and Ludlow. As a member of the RSC he appeared in Stratford and at the Aldwych. West End credits include Stoppard's Dirty Linen, A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie and Easy Virtue by Noel Coward.

As a director, Gareth founded the "Made in Wales Stage Company" and was, for three years, an artistic director at Cardiff's Sherman Theatre, where his theatre productions included A Winter's Tale, The Seagull, Entertaining Mr Sloane, Death of a Salesman, Something's Afoot, Much Ado About Nothing, Night and Day and Forty Years On. As an associate director of the American based company ACTER he has three times toured the United States, most recently playing the title role in Macbeth. Freelance directing work includes Same Time Next Year (Torch Theatre, Milford Haven), On Golden Pond and The Business of Murder (Theatre Royal Northampton) and The Vanished World (Tour).

TV credits include Parnell, Witchcraft and episodes of EastEnders, One Foot in the Grave, Terry and June, London's Burning, The Bill, Birds of a Feather and Casualty.

Gareth has toured to over thirty countries worldwide for the British Council and broadcasts regularly for the World Service and as a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company, including the long-term role of Sean in The Archers.