Bard homecoming!

THE Merchant of Venice is being performed by ShakeSoc, the University of Exeter Shakespeare Society, on 29th and 30th June, at Stratford ArtsHouse.

It is a homecoming of sorts as director, Henry Edwards, and assistant producer, Lily Roberts, are both originally from Stratford.

The excited pair told the Herald: “As one of only a handful of active university-based Shakespeare societies, we want to show that continued practise of Shakespearean classics within higher education is of invaluable experience for a new generation of professional theatre makers.

“Our production is an adaptation of the original text set in the modern-day business and finance world, and, as such, provides an innovative and refreshing take on one of Shakespeare’s most famous problem plays.”

The University of Exeter Shakespeare Society has a brief, but successful history. Founded by students in 2013, the society has a committed ethos of ‘performing the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries in refreshing and interesting ways’.

During its three-year history, ShakeSoc has performed Much Ado About Nothing and ‘Tis Pity She’s A Whore.

They have also staged Henry V and Julius Caesar in just 48 hours — both of which were sell out productions. Tickets, £12 and £10, are available via the ArtsHouse box office on 01789 207100.