Ella Blackburn in The Merchant Of Venice

Ella plays Nerissa in this retro version of Shakespeares’s classic directed by Kelly Ann Stewart, set in the lead up to the financial crisis in 2006. Part of the Roman Theatre Festival with Ovo Theatre in St Albans and runs until the 11th August

Ella Blackburn as Nerissa was the perfect foil for Portia which is not to understate her talent; she portrayed her intelligence, loyalty and quick-thinking beautifully stalbanstimes.co.uk



The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare at The Roman Theatre of Verulamium St. Albans, Hertfordshire, Great Britain Press photocall / rehearsal 30th July 2024 Runs to 11th August 2024 Produced by OVO Kelly Ann Stewart director In today’s world, “the quality of mercy” is perhaps more strained than ever. The timeless tale of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice meets the vibrancy of the 21st century in this modernised adaptation. The bustling financial district of Renaissance Venice transforms into the modern metropolis of Canary Wharf, where power dynamics and societal tensions play out in the fast-paced world of commerce. Shylock, now a successful entrepreneur, finds herself entangled in a web of personal vendettas and discrimination, challenging audiences to reflect on issues of justice, empathy, and the complexities of human relationships. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Roman Theatre of St Albans, this production reimagines the classic story, infusing it with contemporary flair and relevance, as it takes on a bold, new identity for a new era. Ella Blackburn as Nerissa Photograph by Elliott Franks