Review: Othello (Theatre Royal Haymarket)
David Harewood leads a remarkable cast in Tom Morris’s intense and captivating version of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. This five-star production breathes new energy into the story, making it a defining theatrical moment of 2025.
A Standout Year for Shakespeare
London theatre in 2025 has been overflowing with powerful Shakespeare performances, from Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane to A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bridge Theatre. As the year concludes, one final production steals the spotlight: Othello returns to the West End after a long absence.
A Bold and Urgent Interpretation
Tom Morris’s version delves deeply into the turmoil of power, jealousy, and toxic masculinity. The staging bursts with emotion, tension, and raw intensity, illuminating the darker shades of the human psyche in Shakespeare’s masterpiece.
“Exploring the darker side of power, rage and desire, Shakespeare’s epic story of manipulation, jealousy and toxic masculinity explodes on stage, raging to life like never before.”
Personal Reflections
Having never seen an Othello production before, I approached it without past reference points. Many in the audience likely compared it to others, but for me, this was a fresh encounter with the play’s emotional force and theatrical expression.
I always hope for new interpretations of Shakespeare that keep his words alive and engaging for modern audiences. This production did exactly that, transforming the classic into something relevant, vibrant, and entirely gripping.
Verdict
From start to finish, Othello at Theatre Royal Haymarket delivers an unforgettable theatrical experience, merging classic text with modern sensibility and impeccable performances.
Author’s Summary: A powerful reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragedy, this Othello combines emotional rawness and striking direction to define London’s 2025 theatre season.