Review: Othello (Theatre Royal Haymarket)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ David Harewood leads a powerful cast in this urgent and gripping staging of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy.
In 2025, London has hosted several remarkable Shakespeare plays, including Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bridge Theatre, which stand among the finest Bard adaptations I've witnessed. As the year winds down, Othello returns to the West End after a lengthy absence with Tom Morris’ highly anticipated production.
Delving into themes of power, rage, desire, manipulation, jealousy, and toxic masculinity, this version of Othello bursts onto the stage with intense energy and renewed relevance. As described by the production, it "rages to life like never before."
Having never experienced a production of Othello before, I approached this one without prior comparisons. While many audience members likely compared it to past renditions, I focused solely on its own merits. This production excelled in delivering Shakespeare’s work in a fresh, compelling way that engages and makes the play accessible to all viewers.
Ultimately, it fulfilled every expectation, captivating me from beginning to end.
“Raging to life like never before,” the production explores the darker side of power, rage and desire.
Author’s summary: This innovative and intense rendition of Othello revitalizes Shakespeare’s tragedy with a powerful cast and a fresh, emotionally charged approach.