Othello

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From £96

Available Performances

Fri 16 Jan

19:30
Sat 17 Jan

14:30, 19:30

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🕗 2hrs 45mins🎭 Theatre Royal Haymarket

⭐4.6/5 based on 13 reviews

Amelia Lawson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Absolutely phenomenal performance. All around 11/10!!! I study Othello at A-level so this was an amazing experience to see an adaptation like this which explored the emotion and themes of Othello so well. Very impressive modern adaptation which made the play feel as alive, fresh and relevant as it would've over 400 years ago on the Globe stage. Acting was just.... wow. I was so emotionally moved even when i knew the play inside out and i knew what was coming. I am completely in awe of all the effort put into this production; the actors and actresses, set designers, costume designers, directors, composers, musicians. Just incredible!!! Loved the atmosphere inside the theatre with the audience too, you could feel the collective emotion from the laughs we shared to the shocked silence on the edge of our seats. Amazing."

11/04/2024

Blessing Obeng Mensah ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I went to see othello on 30th March 2024. I did enjoy the play and the actors did a wonderful job. I would have preferred if the actors were all dressed in the Shakespeare era clothes as opposed to modern clothing, I feel that would have allowed me to be more immersed in the play."

31/03/2024

Shirley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"An excellent adaptation. The theatre is exceptional and the production makes good use of its available space."

22/03/2024

Irem Baymaz ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Wonderful adaptation with live music I cannot get out of mind."

12/03/2024

Mrs H ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"A really wonderful performance and a positive experience."

08/03/2024

Rebecca Wilson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Brilliant performance by all the cast, absolutely gripping and brilliantly staged from start to finish. There was not a single weak performance from any member of the cast. However the seats in the theatre are not fit for purpose, so incredibly uncomfortable it was almost too uncomfortable to stay! If it had not been for the quality of the show I would not have stayed."

12/02/2024

ANGEL FERNANDO Lara Moreira ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Very nice production. Great actors. Contemporary and powerful."

11/02/2024

Alan R ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Attended the show with daughter studying the book for her A level. Excellent value for money. Superior acting."

11/02/2024

Ms JL ⭐⭐⭐

"As a contemporary version of Othello it works well for a young audience however I felt it was somewhat dumbed down with much of Shakespeare's wonderful dialogue replaced and modernised. Good to see the cast comprising such young enthusiastic actors but subtlety of expression was often missing hence it seemed a bit 'shouty' at times. The Wanamaker theatre itself is wonderful to experience and overall it was enjoyable."

09/02/2024

Jeanette Gilbert ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"A contemporary spin on the classic with mostly original text. Simple to follow, engaging and high quality of acting. Small space"

04/02/2024

Fan-Ching Chang ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"give me much inspiration"

03/02/2024

Things to Know Before You Go

Do I need to know Shakespeare well to follow Othello?

No. The story is clear even if this is your first encounter with Shakespeare. The production uses strong visual storytelling and detailed performances to help you follow the relationships, and you quickly become accustomed to the language.

What is Othello about?

Othello follows a celebrated general whose new marriage and position make him vulnerable to jealousy and manipulation. His trusted ensign, Iago, exploits Othello’s insecurities, twisting small doubts into a catastrophic loss of trust, with tragic consequences for everyone around them.

How long does this production of Othello run?

The running time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, including an interval. The evening is structured so that the tension builds steadily, with a clear break in the middle to catch your breath.

Is Othello suitable for younger audiences?

Othello contains themes of racism, domestic violence and psychological manipulation, as well as some strong language and intense scenes. It is generally more suitable for older teenagers and adults. If you are considering bringing a teenager, it can be helpful to discuss the themes in advance.

What is the staging style of this production?

This production combines a relatively uncluttered stage with strong lighting, sound and music to create atmosphere. The focus is on the actors and their relationships, but the design helps to underline the shifts in power and mood throughout the story.

Is Othello a good choice if I usually prefer lighter plays?

Othello is one of Shakespeare’s darker tragedies, so it may not suit you if you are looking for a light-hearted evening. However, if you are curious about seeing a powerful, beautifully performed drama that feels relevant to modern discussions about power and prejudice, it is a compelling option.

About this show

Shakespeare’s tragedy of jealousy and power is reimagined in this bold new production of Othello at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. David Harewood, Toby Jones and Caitlin FitzGerald lead an exceptional cast in a story that moves from intimate romance to chilling paranoia as trust begins to fracture. Tom Morris’s staging, with music by PJ Harvey, places Othello’s downfall in a world that feels unsettlingly close to our own, where ambition, manipulation and prejudice feed off each other. This is a tense, contemporary Othello for audiences who want Shakespeare to feel urgent rather than distant, while still honouring the poetry that makes the play a masterpiece.