Review: Othello (Theatre Royal Haymarket)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ David Harewood leads a remarkable cast in a gripping and urgent production of Shakespeare's classic tragedy.
2025 has offered several outstanding Shakespeare productions in London, including Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bridge Theatre, both among the finest stage adaptations I've witnessed. As the year closes, a new arrival returns to the West End after a long absence—Tom Morris’ eagerly awaited production of Othello.
This staging tackles themes of power, rage, and desire, bringing Shakespeare’s intense story of manipulation, jealousy, and toxic masculinity to life with unprecedented energy. According to the production’s own description, it “explodes on stage, raging to life like never before.”
Having never seen a performance of Othello before, I approached this production without comparison, focusing solely on its impact. For me, fresh and dynamic interpretations of Shakespeare are essential to make his work accessible for audiences who might otherwise find it challenging to follow.
This production met every expectation, captivating me completely from start to finish.
"Explores 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 fresh production of Othello delivers a powerful and captivating experience, reviving Shakespeare’s tragedy with a modern urgency and striking performances.