Kirsty Besterman takes on the role of Portia in Globe's Merchant of Venice

Kirsty Besterman takes on the role of Portia in Globe's Merchant of Venice

Kirsty Besterman takes on the role of Portia replacing Michelle Duncan in The Merchant of Venice, at the Globe Theatre.

Kirsty Besterman has been playing the role since Michelle Duncan left the company on 8 June due to unforeseen circumstances, resulting in the press (Opening) night of 12 June to be changed to 28 June 2007. The play, which started previews from 2 June, is running to 6 Oct 2007.

Directed by Rebecca Gatward, the cast also features John McEnery (Shylock), Philip Bird, Cornelius Booth, Jim Bywater, Philip Cumbus, Leander Deeny, Craig Gazey, Adam Kay, Pippa Nixon, Chris Obi, Dale Rapley, Mark Rice-Oxley , Nicholas Shaw, Jennifer Kidd

Portia, a wealthy heiress of Belmont, sets her suitors a challenge. He who wins it will win her hand; those who lose it will lose her hand and much more. In Venice, city of consumption, speculation and debt, Bassanio borrows money from Antonio to finance his attempt. Antonio, in turn, takes out a loan from the moneylender Shylock. The loan will be repaid when Antonio's ships return to the city. If they should fail and the money cannot be paid Antonio shall give to Shylock a pound of his own flesh. And they do fail. And Shylock will have his 'bond'.