ONE of Shakespeare's most cruel and controversial plays begins a two-month run at Stratford's Swan Theatre next week.

The Merchant of Venice, a study of justice, mercy, love and the power of money, runs from Wednesday, November 28 until January 19.

The play centres around a rich heiress' estate where husbands are selected by playing a game of chance, and Venice, the centre of wealth and trade where risks are run for the highest stakes and life itself gambles for a friend's affection.

The Merchant of Venice, directed by Loveday Ingram, plays at the Stratford theatre before embarking on a nationwide and international tour which includes a visit to the Haden Hill Leisure Centre, Cradley Heath, Sandwell from April 16-20.

The move will mean more than 50 tonnes of equipment from seating, costumes and set to the tea urn and washing machines will be shipped on five 45-foot articulated lorries and will take just 24 hours to re-build.

The cast includes Ian Bartholomew as Shylock, who recently appeared in the RSC's world tour of A Servant To Two Masters, and Hermione Gulliford as Portia, who previously starred with the company in the 1999 Summer Festival Season in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Antony and Cleopatra.

Tickets cost £5-£32 from the box office on 01789 403403.