Security has had to be ramped up at a West End theatre where EastEnders star Tracy-Ann Oberman is appearing after she received death threats.

The Criterion Theatre has put in extra security measures as the actress, who lives in Hampstead, appears as a female Shylock in a production of The Merchant of Venice set shortly before the Second World War.

The move is in response to death threats Ms Oberman, known for roles in Doctor Who and EastEnders, has received as a backlash to her work tackling antisemitism.

She said: "You know, we're living in very febrile times... I don't understand how we're living in a time where a Jewish actress who is putting on a production of The Merchant Of Venice is needing to have all this security, it just feels extraordinary."

Ham & High: The Hampstead actress said she thinks her industry should be doing more to tackle antisemitismThe Hampstead actress said she thinks her industry should be doing more to tackle antisemitism (Image: PA)

Ms Oberman based her characterisation of Shylock - the Jewish character at the heart of Shakespeare's play - partly on her own grandmother.

The plot unfolds against the backdrop of 1930s London, as fascism sweeps across Europe.

She added: "By putting a female Shylock at the centre of that, it ties in misogyny and racism against all minorities."

Beyond the theatre, the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has caused an increase in both Islamophobia and antisemitism.

Ham & High: She has previously taken part in a march against antisemitism with Rachel Riley She has previously taken part in a march against antisemitism with Rachel Riley (Image: PA)

The Hampstead actress said her industry should be doing more.

She said: "The industry should take note because if it was happening to other minorities, I'd like to think that people would be horrified."

She added: "My identity has never felt a huge part of my creative life, but in recent years, particularly in the arts world, which likes to see itself as progressive and inclusive, I think I've ended up becoming a spokesperson for many Jewish people and allies in the arts who have often felt like a lone voice, who have felt intimidated and often felt frightened to talk about their identity.

"And I don't think that is right."

The Merchant of Venice 1936 revival runs until March 23.

Oberman is also previewing a musical called Bette And Joan And Baby Jane, a fictional look at the rivalry between Hollywood legends Bette Davis and Joan Crawford during the making of the 1960s film Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?