@ A E Harris things are kept a bit classy. Earlier in the year Theatre Ark brought us The Tempest now FRED are coming to the home of Stan with more Shakespeare – The Merchant of Venice.

FRED presents Shakespeare’s most controversial, yet one of his most human, plays in a stripped down and boldly imaginative promenade experience.

From within the tumult of Venice’s markets emerges a young man who needs credit to pursue his love. Antonio offers help, but in turn needs to raise credit from a moneylender. A deal is struck with a fatal forfeit if Antonio’s investments fail.

Love is won, but cargo lost. The moneylender comes to collect his pound of flesh, and with it revenge for years of abuse.

Performed against the stark interiors of @A.E.Harris in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, FRED’s production focuses on the play’s language and conflicts. It asks, is there hope for a better future?

Tickets are available from this number 0121 643 5858 for less than a pound of flesh.

The familiar version of the story runs 9th – 13th but also on 13th at 5pm is Shylock’s Appeal written by barrister John Curtis this one act play delivers what the title suggests. Entry for this production is Free.