Archive · 13 Nov 2025
David Harewood Shines in Othello Despite Uneven Production
A play called Othello is being performed in London.
It's a story about a general named Othello who is tricked by his friend Iago into thinking his wife Desdemona is unfaithful.
David Harewood plays Othello, and people think he's really good and in control of the role.
Toby Jones plays the bad guy, Iago, and some critics say he's a bit too much like a grumpy boss and not scary enough, even when he makes mean jokes.
The play is about murder and trickery.
Some reviewers felt the play wasn't very good at showing the characters' sad feelings.
But, when the actresses playing Desdemona and her maid Emilia get more to do in the second half, the play gets much better.
They make you really feel for the characters who get hurt.
The acting is seen as the best part of this particular show.
David Harewood delivers a commanding performance as Othello in Tom Morris's new production.
Toby Jones portrays Iago with 'gleeful nastiness' but is criticized by some for lacking deeper menace.
The production is described as uneven, finding stronger focus and emotional impact in the second half.
Caitlin FitzGerald as Desdemona and Vinette Robinson as Emilia are praised for bringing depth to the female roles.
The play, a 'deeply nasty tale of murder and manipulation,' runs until January 17 at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
- Who
- David Harewood, Toby Jones, Caitlin FitzGerald, Vinette Robinson, and director Tom Morris
- What
- A new production of Shakespeare's Othello, receiving mixed reviews for its direction but praise for its lead actors.
- When
- Currently running, ending January 17
- Where
- Theatre Royal Haymarket, London
- Why
- The production is notable for David Harewood's commanding performance as Othello and Toby Jones's portrayal of Iago, though the direction has been criticized for uneven pacing and psychological depth.
Criticisms of the Production
Praise for the Production
Portrayal of Iago
Criticisms of the Production
Toby Jones's Iago lacks the expected inner darkness and has the menace of a 'peevish middle manager,' prompting uneasy audience laughter at racist jokes.
Praise for the Production
Toby Jones exudes a 'gleeful nastiness' as Iago, and his portrayal is convincing as a Machiavellian schemer.
Focus and Pacing
Criticisms of the Production
The production is described as 'uneven,' starting weaker and only finding its focus and strength in the second half when the women are foregrounded.
Praise for the Production
The production builds into a 'deeply nasty tale of murder and manipulation,' and is particularly strong in its depiction of physical violence.
Psychological Depth
Criticisms of the Production
The director is less adept at portraying psychological violence compared to physical violence.
Praise for the Production
Caitlin FitzGerald as Desdemona and Vinette Robinson as Emilia effectively convey the inner lives of the victims and the 'awfulness of her murder.'
- Play
- Othello
- Director
- Tom Morris
- Starring
- David Harewood as Othello, Toby Jones as Iago
- Venue
- Theatre Royal Haymarket, London SW1
- End Date
- January 17