The Stage

Patrick Stewart confirmed as Shylock in RSC’s 50th season

Published Monday 31 January 2011 at 13:13 by Alistair Smith

Patrick Stewart will star as Shylock in Rupert Goold’s production of The Merchant of Venice as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 50th birthday season, it has been confirmed.

Patrick Stewart, pictured here as Claudius in the RSC's 2008 production of Hamlet, will play Shylock in their newly announced season Photo: Tristram Kenton

The RSC has announced casting for its anniversary season, which will also see Jonathan Slinger take the title role in Macbeth directed by Michael Boyd - the first new production to be staged in the revamped Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Commenting on the casting of Slinger as Macbeth, Boyd said: “Jonathan is without doubt one of the finest actors of his generation, and has more than proved himself in the role of disturbed Shakespearean kings.”

Slinger will appear alongside Aislin McGuckin as Lady Macbeth. Slinger and McGuckin will also appear in David Farr’s revival of The Homecoming in the Swan Theatre, which will also feature Des McAleer and Richard Riddell.

Other highlights of the season include Nancy Meckler directing A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Anthony Neilson directing Marat / Sade - both in the RST.

Meanwhile, in the Swan Theatre, Gregory Doran will direct Shakespeare’s ‘lost play’ Cardenio with newcomer Olly Rix in the title role, while Traverse artistic director Dominic Hill will direct The City Madam.