Review of Shakespeare’s "Othello" at Theatre Royal Haymarket
Tom Morris’s production of Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello is currently running at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 17 January 2026. This polished West End staging brings fresh intensity and depth to the classic play.
David Harewood’s Powerful Return to Othello
David Harewood, who made history nearly 30 years ago as the first Black actor to portray Othello at the National Theatre, reprises the role of the Moorish general. Harewood describes his 1997 performance as driven by raw emotion, "balling and screaming" in response to the betrayals and accusations faced by his character.
In this new interpretation, Harewood presents an Othello who carries the weight of experience and wisdom at the start. However, his composed authority soon crumbles, transforming into a fierce, hotheaded man consumed by Iago’s manipulations. This mental turmoil blinds him to the true nature of those around him.
Toby Jones as the Devious Iago
Harewood’s dynamic stage presence is matched by Toby Jones, who delivers a delightfully sinister performance as Iago. Their interactions bring out the complexity and dark cunning in the play’s central conflict.
“Who could pull off such complex trickery? Harewood has a wonderfully wicked scene partner in Toby Jones.”
Production Details
- Directed by Tom Morris
- Running at Theatre Royal Haymarket until 17 January 2026
- David Harewood as Othello, Toby Jones as Iago
Author’s summary: David Harewood’s nuanced portrayal of Othello, combined with Toby Jones’s cunning Iago, delivers a gripping reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragedy at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.