David Harewood to play Othello in new West End production

A new production of Othello will play in the West End later this year.

Tom Morris will direct a cast featuring David Harewood in the title role, with Toby Jones as Iago and Caitlin FitzGerald as Desdemona.

Shakespeare’s epic tale of manipulation, jealousy and toxic masculinity will have music by PJ Harvey. This is the first of a series of contemporary Shakespeare productions created by Morris for Chris Harper Productions to be staged in the West End over the next five years.

Harewood, who returns to the role after being the first Black actor to play Othello at the National Theatre in 1997, said: “It’s very exciting to be tackling this monumental part once again. Last time around, I was very conscious of breaking through a particular glass ceiling, and I probably felt the weight of that. No concerns this time, and I’m looking forward to starting afresh.”

Jones is “eagerly anticipating rehearsals” and commented that he is “preparing as best I can to immerse myself in this dark, sad, funny, mysterious world.”

FitzGerald added that she is “thrilled” to be able to “explore a Desdemona who is full of agency, fearless in both mind and heart, and a true equal to Othello.”

Finally director Morris concluded: “The glittering screen careers of David Harewood, Toby Jones and Caitlin FitzGerald are built on their love of theatre. David blazed into the theatrical limelight as Romeo with Temba Theatre Company and Othello at the National Theatre, establishing himself as a live actor of rare charisma.

“At the same time, Toby’s company, the Table Show played a key part in the creative explosion at the Battersea Arts Centre, honing the playful storytelling instincts which have made him a watchword in film and TV.  And underlying the intelligence and searing wit of Caitlin’s screen performances in Succession, Love Simple and Masters of Sex is a rare theatrical craft expressed in the Hedda Gabler, which blew former New York Times Critic Ben Brantley’s mind.”

Also on the creative team are Ti Green (designer), Jon Nicholls (sound design and additional music), Richard Howell (lighting design), Anna Cooper (casting), Dominic Skinner (make-up design), Suzanne Scotcher (hair and wigs design), Katie Henry (associate director), Bethan James (assistant director), Laila Diallo (movement director), Sabia Smith (costume supervisor), Mariama Bojang (assistant costume designer), Sheena Linden (company manager), Damian Partington (production manager) and Samantha Adams (dramatherapist). It is produced by Chris Harper Productions with Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen for Access Entertainment.

Performances will begin at Theatre Royal Haymarket on 23 October 2025 and run until 17 January 2026. A press night is set for 4 November 2025.

Further casting for the production is to be announced.