YEAR 2015

At Shakespeare’s Globe, playing a much-anticipated Shylock in The Merchant of Venice, we meet backstage. Hello old friend, I’m afraid this might be the last time we see each other, all these rehearsals do make an old man dreadfully tired. Dapperly dressed, scarf knotted just so, beard silvering elegantly, of course, but the lines under my eyes are sharply etched, this role I must admit, it’s getting to me. I don’t worry normally, but with this one… As I brush an imaginary piece of lint off my trouser leg I can’t help but think, I really haven’t worried about anything so much for years, not since the public thought us actors were unruly! I hate the phrase comfort zone, but as the years progress, I seem to find myself flittering uncertainly on the edges of society. This Shylock, I don’t think he’ll get a chance to express himself, I think of him in terms of a shadow. I mean sure, he tries to get his revenge and against the Christians, who I believe are now monsters. They have persecuted my Shylock for years, spat on him, kicked him and suddenly, it’s as if they need him, it’s remarkable actually especially the play’s language, it’s…. contemporary. I think I might be done with Shylock, maybe Portia could do with a little of ma ol’ dazzle dazzle, hmmmm maybe I will see you in a few years, just probably when you least expect it!

Well the show must go on, and remember I am the one and only Shylock!