Othello (Riverside Studios) London Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (39)
See it if You love this Shakespeare story and want an updated version that is superbly executed
Don't see it if If you not a Shakespeare fan
See it if you like an intimate piece of physical theatre with an exciting new interpretation of the classic Shakespearean tale.
Don't see it if you prefer Shakespeare stagings loyal to the original text, or have absolutely no knowledge of Shakespearean English whatsoever. Read more
See it if you like minimalist, stylised Shakespeare productions or a version focusing on Othello's inner thoughts as well Desdemona, and Iago as evil
Don't see it if you want a more nuanced or traditional version - lots of editing here and some plot changes i.e. less Iago and Maria, Desdemona stays dead
See it if Othello by Sinead Rushe is one of the most inspired I have ever seen. The polyphonic characterisation of Iago by 3 actors is masterful SEE!
Don't see it if You don’t enjoy dark Shakespeare Read more
See it if I thought this was a fabulous production. I loved the fact Desdemona was a strong gutsy woman not a simpering side kick .
Don't see it if No do see it . Exceptionally good.
See it if You want to see an engrossing well acted story
Don't see it if You don't like tragedies
See it if You like modern interpretation
Don't see it if You expect classical version
See it if you love Shakespeare. Or if you love masterful acting, if you love perfection on stage. This production will have it all.
Don't see it if You’re not into tragedies. This play will make you cry.
Critic Reviews (7)
“Sinead Rushe['s direction] results in a bold and fiercely tense version of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Throughout the entire 100 minutes (with no interval) there is very little let-up. You hang onto the edge of your seat pretty much the entire time in a small, intimate space...Good things come in threes. This production of ’Othello’, which deserves a run on one of the smaller National Theatre stages, is a superb example of this idiom.”
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“As a thriller, it has its own grip though: the movement is choreographed well and there are good visual effects, even if it is ultimately empty of its central tragedy.”
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“This slick, stripped-back version, directed by Sinéad Rushe, pushes this revealing metaphor even further: a bold conceit sees the role of Iago played simultaneously by three actors.”
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“As an introduction to Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’, this works tremendously well: it’s engaging, playful even. Purists and theatregoers who want a bit more to sink their teeth into may find this truncated version somewhat frustrating however, and it’s one of those rare shows that really would benefit from being longer. Still, it’s undeniably a production that delights in the rough magic and imaginative possibilities of theatre.”
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“Cut to 100 minutes all-through, this production does not just re-invent the wicked ensign, but forces us to reconsider the Iagos we have met in the past and the ‘Othellos’ he has driven to dreadful murder.”
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“This production of ’Othello’ is one of the most inspired Shakespeare adaptations I have been lucky enough to witness and is very worthy of praise. A must-see!”
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"This is an inventive, psychologically driven 'Othello', which leaves the door open for productions to explore the possibilities of the fascinating idea of polyphonic casting again."
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