About the Show

David Harewood and Toby Jones star in Tom Morris’s bold staging with music by PJ Harvey.

Othello, a respected general in the Venetian army, finds his life unraveling at the hands of his ensign, Iago, whose simmering resentment drives a campaign of manipulation and deceit. As jealousy and suspicion take hold, Othello's world spirals into tragedy, exposing the destructive power of mistrust and toxic pride. Shakespeare’s tale unfolds with renewed intensity in this modern-dress staging that delves into the personal and political dimensions of betrayal and control.

The production features David Harewood (Homeland, Best of Enemies) in the title role, with Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Detectorists) as Iago and Caitlin FitzGerald (Succession, Masters of Sex) as Desdemona. The cast brings together acclaimed performers from both screen and stage, adding depth and clarity to Shakespeare’s complex characters.

Directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris (War Horse), the production incorporates an original score by musician PJ Harvey, whose work adds an atmospheric layer to the unfolding drama. This reimagining of Othello foregrounds its themes through contemporary staging and a stark visual language.

Critic Reviews (10)

"this Shakespearean tragedy is in good hands, and if it’s not a revelatory production, it’s certainly a slick one, with each interaction fine-tuned and deftly choreographed – especially the violence"
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"this Othello feels strangely old fashioned. What we have here is stately West End Shakespeare, well-spoken and measured"
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'ravishing to look at, immaculately choreographed and darkly humorous. It is pacy and does not probe deeply or seek to connect the play's manipulations with our era of Trumpian truths and lies"
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"It's a solid commercial show, but... you can get away with being a lot more daring than this when it comes to putting Shakespeare into a commercial theatre. This is accessible. But very safe."
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"the production overall feels uneven, its sense of time and place indistinct"
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"A truly memorable Iago...Jones deals more in winks and nods. You can believe the rascal would sell you a batch of knocked-off weapons, but not that he would betray everyone and everything."
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"All in all, it is a curiously old-fashioned and superficial version of a play that cries out for a powerful vision. A disappointment."
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"As with so much in Morris’ production, the big ideas and brash performances work well individually, but don’t quite cohere."
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