Mikhail Sen has been awarded the prestigious Best Actor (Theatre) prize at the Eastern Eye Art, Culture and Theatre Awards (ACTAs) 2025 for his outstanding performance in The Merchant of Venice 1936. Sen’s nuanced portrayals of both Lorenzo and the Maharajah in this innovative reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic earned widespread acclaim. The production, set in 1930s East London during the rise of fascism, ran at the Trafalgar Theatre before embarking on a UK-wide tour, captivating audiences with its timely themes and Sen’s compelling dual performances.
Sen’s depiction of Lorenzo brought to life a young lover caught in a fraught relationship with Jessica, Shylock’s daughter, navigating the tensions between personal desire and the oppressive social climate of the time. Contrasting this, his role as the Maharajah revealed a figure wrestling with authority and desperation, demonstrating Sen’s exceptional versatility. Critics, including LiverpoolTheatres.com, praised his seamless transitions between these two very different characters, describing his performance as “equally brilliant” and highlighting his ability to capture both youthful passion and intense gravitas.
Beyond The Merchant of Venice 1936, Mikhail Sen has built a distinguished career marked by diverse roles across stage and screen. Known for his emotional depth and dynamic range, Sen consistently brings complexity and authenticity to his characters. His work often explores themes of identity, power, and resistance, reflecting his commitment to storytelling that resonates on both personal and societal levels.
Currently touring with The Merchant of Venice 1936, Sen continues to draw audiences across the UK, with upcoming performances scheduled in Liverpool, Bath, Leeds, Salford, Fareham, Cardiff, Southend, and a final show in Birmingham on 5 April 2025. As one of theatre’s most compelling talents, Mikhail Sen’s ACTAs 2025 win cements his reputation as a leading actor of his generation.
