Review: Othello (Theatre Royal Haymarket)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ David Harewood leads a compelling cast in this urgent, riveting production of Shakespeare's classic tragedy.
2025 has delivered remarkable Shakespeare performances in London, including Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bridge Theatre—some of the best adaptations of the Bard’s work I've seen. As the year winds down, one more production stands out: Othello, which hasn't been staged in the West End for some time.
Director Tom Morris' highly anticipated version explores the dark themes of power, rage, and desire. Shakespeare’s epic tale of manipulation, jealousy, and toxic masculinity ignites the stage like never before, embodying the production's own description.
I had never seen Othello performed live, so I approached this production without prior comparison. Many audience members likely compared it to previous renditions, but I experienced it purely on its own merits.
For me, fresh, exciting interpretations that make Shakespeare accessible to all are essential. This Othello checked all those boxes, captivating me throughout.
"Exploring the darker side of power, rage and desire, Shakespeare’s epic story of manipulation, jealousy and toxic masculinity explodes on stage, raging to life like never before."
This production transforms a well-known tragedy into a powerful, contemporary theatrical event.
Author's Summary
This bold and emotionally charged production of Othello offers a fresh, gripping take on Shakespeare’s tragedy, bringing timeless themes vividly to life.
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