Shakespeare's classic tale mirrors our troubled times

Shakespeare Live celebrates its 20th anniversary with a production of The Merchant Of Venice at Hazelbury Manor, near Box, from Monday, July 6 to Saturday, July 11.

The long-established amateur company consistently aims to attain the highest possible standards.

This year's play, directed by Gill Morrell, will be no exception. Mixing high drama – perhaps even tragedy – with a romantic love story, the central theme of greed unfortunately mirrors, only too well, our own troubled times.

Shylock's battle with Antonio for recognition and revenge is set in the 1740s of Canaletto, the period of greatest beauty and decay in Venice.

As the Empire crumbled, the cosmopolitan city threw itself into the pleasures of Carnival, its focus on money and ostentation.

In the gorgeous outdoor setting of Hazelbury Manor, the audience can picnic before the show begins at 8pm each evening, and if it rains, all seating is under cover.

Numbered tickets for Monday to Thursday cost £12 and for the gala nights, Friday and Saturday, £20.

At all performances there are groundling spaces in front of the stand – bring a rug or groundsheet – at only £6. Tickets are now on sale, either from the box office 01225 722987 or via the website at www. shakespearelive.com/ booking/html.