The BBC Merchant of Venice might almost be described as neutral ground in the interpretive struggle over the play. Most of the text (including Shylock's asides) and all of the characters are in place.
Jessica and Lorenzo are authentic young lovers, both romantic and sexual, who hold each other as they lie under the stars.
Shylock is a villainous plotter who still deserves our sympathy.
The Venetian Christians are good and bad by turns and sometimes both together.
Portia and Nerissa can seem kind or cruel, merciful or vengeful.
The entire cast is professional, with Warren Mitchell's Shylock especially powerful, and Enn Reitel's Lancelot very likeable. However, charm can seem in short supply in this production, and Gemma Jones's Portia frequently appears unattractive.
Jessica and Lorenzo are authentic young lovers, both romantic and sexual, who hold each other as they lie under the stars.
Shylock is a villainous plotter who still deserves our sympathy.
The Venetian Christians are good and bad by turns and sometimes both together.
Portia and Nerissa can seem kind or cruel, merciful or vengeful.
The entire cast is professional, with Warren Mitchell's Shylock especially powerful, and Enn Reitel's Lancelot very likeable. However, charm can seem in short supply in this production, and Gemma Jones's Portia frequently appears unattractive.