RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey is joined again by Vidar Hjardeng MBE, Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for ITV News across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands for the next in his regular Connect Radio theatre reviews.

This week Vidar was reviewing The Merchant of Venice 1936 at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon with the production centred around a planned march by Oswald Mosley and the British Union of Fascists through the Jewish East End of London. Audio described at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon with description by professional Audio Describers Julia Grundy and Ellie Packer. 

About The Merchant of Venice 1936

London, 1936 the threat of fascism grows day by day. Shylock (Tracy-Ann Oberman - Eastenders, Doctor Who, Friday Night Dinner) a widow, single mother and survivor of attacks on Jewish people in Russia, runs a small business from her home in Cable Street. Oswald Mosley and the British Union of Fascists plan a march through the Jewish East End and a fragile peace is shattered. Into Shylock’s world enters antisemitic Antonio in need of a loan, a dangerous deal is made. Will Shylock take her revenge?  

A powerful reminder of a key moment in British history. 

‘If you prick us do we not bleed? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?’ 

For more about access at the Royal Shakespeare Company and for details about audio described performances of tier productions do visit - https://www.rsc.org.uk/your-visit/access

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