WHILE so many are trying to be experimental with Shakespeare, it is good to see that the RSC can still produce his plays in a simplicity which allows the Bard's work to shine.

Here, the costumes are of an ambiguous period, placing the women in a more traditional period than the men. But because they are so minimal in colour and design, they distract nothing from the strong cast and the power of the actual play.

Portia, who is played by Hermione Gulliford to lusty, witty perfection, is still the cleverest of the bunch.

Ian Bartholomew suitably alienates the Jewish money-lender Shylock with a brilliant performance that evokes little, if any sympathy for the embittered Jew and entirely succeeds in court opposite Ian Gelder's dignified and stately Antonio.

Surprisingly The Merchant of Venice was classed as one of Shakespeare's six comedies and this stands out as an especially humorous production with elegant touches throughout.

But the sight of Shylock assembling the scales as he prepares to collect his pound of flesh from his debtor Antonio is enough to send shivers down anyone's spine, especially as it was accompanied by such effective sound.

Nothing about this production screams startling 'look-at-me' originality, but therein lies its beauty, for "paleness moves me more than eloquence."

LB