'Othello' Review — David Harewood’s Fiery General Shines with Toby Jones
Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, directed by Tom Morris, is currently showing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket through 17 January 2026. This polished West End production offers a fresh take on the classic play.
Nearly 30 years ago, David Harewood was the first Black actor to portray Othello at the National Theatre. Returning now as the Moorish general, Harewood brings depth to the role of a man undone by the poisonous lies of his ensign, Iago.
Harewood did not appear in the 1997 version but described his earlier approach as “balling and screaming” with rage, reacting as a young man might to accusations against Desdemona and Iago’s betrayal. In contrast, his current performance opens with a composed, wiser Othello, whose calm soon gives way to a brutal fury, unraveling under Iago’s manipulations.
“He remoulds his character as a brutish hothead, so mentally swept up in Iago’s conspiracies that he’s no longer able to see those in his orbit for who they are.”
Harewood’s portrayal is matched by Toby Jones, who delivers a delightfully wicked performance as Iago, making the twisted deception all the more compelling.
Production Highlights
- Directed by Tom Morris
- Runs at Theatre Royal Haymarket until 17 January 2026
- David Harewood brings maturity and rage to Othello
- Toby Jones excels as the villainous Iago
This production vividly captures the tragic unraveling of Othello’s trust and identity, brought to life by Harewood’s complex lead and Jones’s cunning opposition.
Author’s summary: David Harewood’s layered performance as Othello, alongside Toby Jones’s cunning Iago, creates an intense, gripping rendition of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy in London’s West End.