Anthony Welsh News

Full casting is today announced for Rupert Goold's The Merchant of Venice at the Almeida Theatre. Former Almeida Artistic Director Ian McDiarmid will play Shylock alongside Susannah Fielding and Scott Handy, who reprise their roles as Portia and Antonio. The company includes Vinta Morgan, Vincenzo Nicoli, Finlay Robertson, Raphael Sowole, Tim Steed, Jonathan Tafler, Anthony Welsh, Tom Weston-Jones and original RSC cast members Jamie Beamish, Rebecca Brewer, Caroline Martin and Emily Plumtree.

David Lan, the artistic director of the Young Vic Theatre, directs this world premiere of Blackta by new writer Nathaniel Martello-White. Although best known for his work as an actor, Martello-White was determined to challenge and change the perception of black actors in this fresh piece of new writing. Focusing on how limiting the job opportunities are for ethnic minorities, he raised a sensitive issue that is rarely assessed on both stage and screen.

Julia Hogg is impressed by Ella Hickson's new play