Review: Othello (Theatre Royal Haymarket)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ David Harewood leads a remarkable cast in this urgent, captivating production of Shakespeare's classic tragedy.
2025 has featured some standout Shakespeare plays in London, including Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bridge Theatre, both among the best stage adaptations of the Bard’s work I’ve experienced. As the year ends, there is still time for one more notable production, Othello, which has not appeared on the West End for quite a while.
This highly anticipated version, directed by Tom Morris, explores the darker themes of power, rage, and desire. Shakespeare’s epic story of manipulation, jealousy, and toxic masculinity bursts to life on stage with unprecedented intensity, as the production itself claims.
Having never seen Othello performed before, I approached this show without prior comparisons. While many audience members may compare it to other renditions, I embraced the production on its own terms. I appreciate new, energizing ways to bring Shakespeare’s work to life, enhancing accessibility for those who might find his text challenging.
This production satisfied all my expectations and impressed me thoroughly from beginning to end.
“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.”
Author’s summary: This vibrant production of Othello delivers a powerful and fresh take on Shakespeare’s tragedy, making the classic play both intense and accessible for modern audiences.