OTHELLO | MARQUEE TV @ THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET, LONDON
★★★★
“Fluid, intricate storytelling adds a snappy cinematic vibe without losing the magic of the live experience…”
Just how accomplished the capturing of live theatre for streaming purposes has become in recent times is never more evident than in this gripping presentation of Shakespeare’s Othello, from Marquee TV, starring David Harewood and Toby Jones with Caitlin Fitzgerald and Luke Treadaway.
Written around 1603, The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice, more often just referred to as Othello, is widely recognised as one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies. Passed over for promotion by Othello, a well-respected Moorish general in Venice, Iago vows to take his revenge on his successful rival Cassio. When Othello secretly marries Desdemona, Iago hatches a plot, using the love-struck Roderigo, to unleash his revenge on all those he believes have slighted him with tragic and far-flung consequences.
In this compelling production, produced by Chris Harper and Tom O’Connell and directed by Tom Morris with incisive flair, the tension is palpable. It’s enhanced by PJ Harvey’s evocative, powerfully enchanting score. Richly costumed (contemporary meets ceremonial), with a minimalistic structural set design, vibrantly lit by Richard Howell, lends itself as well to the screen as it does to stage.
Likewise, Tim Van Someran’s slick direction of the capture proffers an imaginative framing of shots that allow for fluid, intricate storytelling – fleeting expressions lost from the vantage of the auditorium are captured instantly conveyed – that adds a snappy cinematic vibe without losing the magic of the live experience; audience laughter and applause is present, but never intrusive.
Don’t Miss Our Exclusive Promo Code to screen Othello on Marquee TV HERE
Leading the company as Othello, Harewood, returning to the role he first played 29 years ago, is regal. His journey from majestic Moor to broken husband, is one of searing jealousy and explosive rage that is disturbing to watch.
As his devoted wife, Desdemona, Caitlin Fitzgerald is every bit his match. Fiercely loyal yet intelligently independent, this Othello and Desdemona share a cool, occasionally performative chemistry. Fitzgerald, together with Vinette Robinson as her maid Emilia, lace the Bard’s ahead-of-their-time feminist sentiments with a burning passion, wry poignancy and more than a little bitter rancor.
Strong performances from Luke Treadaway, a naive but likably sympathetic Cassio, and Tom Byrne, a gentle, gullible Rodrigo, ensure the multi-threaded tale is always engaging.
The star turn, however, is without doubt Toby Jones. His Iago is a gloriously unctuous creature, a Rumplestiltskin-esque self-serving lickspittle come puppet-master. Wicked, insidious and conniving, he is the ultimate master-manipulator, dripping his poison in the ears of those he has beguiled. It’s an unnerving performance from the ever watchable Jones.
The company’s sparkling delivery of Shakespeare’s poetic words boast a clarity and rhythm that ensure this Othello is easily accessible and a definite piece of Must See Theatre both on stage and on small screen.
Othello streams exclusively on Marquee TV from 1 May 2026 HERE
