Othello
- Alice White
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Othello London tickets
28 years after becoming the first black man to play the titular character, David Harewood OBE (Homeland) reprises his history-making role. Joined by Toby Jones OBE (Mr Bates vs the Post Office) and Caitlin Fitzgerald (Succession), Othello plays a strictly limited run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Book your official tickets today!
About Othello
Shakespeare’s Othello explodes to life like never before in a fiery new production.
This gripping reimagining of the classic tragedy dives headfirst into a world of manipulation, jealousy, and toxic masculinity. As ambition festers and loyalties crumble, Othello lays bare the devastating cost of mistrust and the raw, destructive power of unchecked emotion. Bold, intense, and unforgettable—don’t miss this visceral take on one of Shakespeare’s most searing plays.
It’s worth the applause!
Iago has the second most lines of any Shakespeare character, second only to Hamlet.
Tom Morris is the recipient of a Tony Award, he has directed three Shakespeares previously, the first was the very first play he directed as a professional; Macbeth, A Midsummer’s Nights Dream, and King Lear
Toby Jones is the recipient of an Olivier Award, BAFTA and NTA
David Harewood was the first black man to play Othello at the National Theatre in 1998
PJ Harvey has won the Mercury Prize twice, making her the only artist to achieve this feat
Major Themes
Jealousy – The destructive “green-eyed monster.”
Manipulation & Deceit – Iago’s web of lies drives the tragedy.
Racism & Prejudice – Othello’s outsider status in white Venetian society.
Trust & Betrayal – Othello’s misplaced trust in Iago and mistrust of Desdemona.
Appearance vs. Reality – Things are rarely what they seem.
Honor & Reputation – The characters’ sense of pride and social status.
Key Symbols
The Handkerchief – Represents love, fidelity, and proof (falsely) of Desdemona’s infidelity.
The Willow Song – Symbolizes female sorrow and fate.
The Color Black/White Imagery – Reflects racial and moral contrasts.
Famous Quotes
“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; / It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock / The meat it feeds on.” – Iago, Act 3, Scene 3
“Men should be what they seem.” – Iago, Act 3, Scene 3
“Then must you speak / Of one that loved not wisely but too well.” – Othello, Act 5, Scene 2
“I kissed thee ere I killed thee; no way but this, / Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.” – Othello, Act 5, Scene 2
Important Context & Legacy
Based on the Italian tale “Un Capitano Moro” by Cinthio (1565).
Othello is one of Shakespeare’s four great tragedies, along with Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth.
The play explores race, power, and gender in ways that were bold for the 17th century.
It’s often studied for its psychological depth and moral ambiguity—especially Iago’s villainy.
Has inspired countless films, operas, and modern retellings, including the 2001 movie O set in an American high school.
