Othello set for Lancaster Castle, 27 Feb

In the year that marks the 450th anniversary of the birth of the world’s favourite playwright, Demi-paradise bring Othello to Shire Hall, Lancaster Castle.

According to publicity material there are many firsts attached to this year’s Shakespeare production.The debut artistic directorship of Dukes Theatre associate Louie Ingham, working with musical director Lee Affen and set & costume designer Rachel Daniels, means this production has a strong contemporary treatment and physical flavour, enhanced with both live and recorded music and song. The action is set mainly in Shire Hall, but also, for the first time, in the old prison side of the city’s landmark building, which only opened its massive gates to the public in May last year after 800 almost unbroken years as a prison.

Founder producer Stephen Tomlin says: “I am very proud of what we have achieved as an ensemble since I started the demi-paradise project back in 2000 and am determined to keep that spirit alive by injecting radical younger generation theatre practice into our tried and tested model. That’s why I’m thrilled to have Louie Ingham in place as artistic director for Othello."

Othello is at Shire Hall, Lancaster Castle from 27 February – 22 March.