Review: Othello (Theatre Royal Haymarket)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ David Harewood leads a powerful cast in this urgent and captivating production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy.
2025 has featured many remarkable Shakespeare plays in London, including Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bridge Theatre, some of the finest stage adaptations I have seen. As the year ends, there remains one more highlight: Tom Morris’ eagerly awaited production of Othello, a play that hasn’t been seen on the West End for a long time.
This rendition delves into the darker themes of power, rage, and desire. Shakespeare’s intense tale of manipulation, jealousy, and toxic masculinity erupts on stage with unprecedented energy, fulfilling the production’s promise to bring the story to life like never before.
As someone who had never watched an Othello production before, I had no previous staging to compare this to. While many audience members may judge it against other versions, I simply embraced this one on its own merits.
For me, it’s essential to discover fresh and engaging ways to present Shakespeare’s work, making it thrilling and easier to follow for audiences who might otherwise find it challenging.
This production of Othello succeeded impeccably, impressing me throughout the entire performance.
To quote the production itself: the story “explodes on stage, raging to life like never before.”
Author's summary: This vibrant and intense production of Othello reinvigorates Shakespeare’s tragedy, making it accessible and compelling for a modern audience.