The return of summer in Malta also heralds a must-see for all classical theatre lovers – the annual Shakespeare in the Gardens from MADC.

Performed outdoors in full period costume within the beautiful surroundings of San Anton Gardens, this year’s production of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is directed by MADC Artistic Director Stephen Oliver. And booking for this beloved comedy from the Bard is now open at http://www.madc.com.mt, with an early bird offer that has tickets starting at €25 for a very limited time only.

Starring Stephen Oliver as Shylock and Edward Caruana Galizia as Antonio, the merchant of Venice himself, the excellent cast of MADC’s The Merchant of Venice also includes Julia Camilleri as Portia and Gianluca Mifsud as Bassanio, among a large and talented ensemble.

The tale begins with Bassanio, an aristocratic but poor young man of Venice, who has fallen in love with Portia, a wealthy and beautiful lady of Belmont. But he needs money to woo her, so he turns to his friend Antonio, the merchant of Venice, for a loan. Antonio, whose assets are tied up in business ventures, borrows from a moneylender named Shylock, signing a bond agreeing to give Shylock a pound of his flesh if he doesn’t settle the debt by a certain date. When that date arrives still unpaid, a trial ensues, with Shylock’s claim to a pound of Antonio’s flesh brought before the duke – but all is not what it seems in the courtroom.

“The Merchant of Venice is Shakespeare’s funny and romantic courtroom thriller, with the Bard at his boldest, most dangerous and most entertaining,” says Stephen Oliver. “As we return to San Anton Gardens for another Shakespeare production under the stars, we invite everyone to experience the magic of live theatre with a timeless story, remarkable performances and an enchanting outdoor setting, which promises to be a highlight of the summer.”

Tickets are available at here, with an early bird price starting at €25 for a limited time only (full price €30 and €27).