Othello Play - London 2025

Discover how power in the wrong hands can spiral out of control, as Othello lands in the West End this winter, at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

This explosive new take on Shakespeare’s epic tale by Tony Award-winning director Tom Morris stars David Harewood (Homeland), Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs The Post Office) and Caitlin Fitzgerald (Succession).

Get ready for a thrilling revival of one of Shakespeare’s darkest stories – a classic that remains relevant today.

What is Othello’s plot about?

Othello is at the height of his power as a respected general serving the Venetian government. Although highly successful, he’s hiding a secret that could bring everything crashing down: he’s secretly married the stunningly beautiful Desdemona, daughter of Senator Brabantio.

Everything begins to unravel when Iago, Othello’s servant, who is bitter about being looked over for promotion, breaks the news to the senator. What follows is a storm of rage, jealousy and power plays. Brabantio disowns his daughter, and Othello is sent to Cyprus to face a looming Turkish invasion – with Desdemona, Iago’s wife Emilia, and Othello’s loyal lieutenant Michael Cassio by his side.

But once in Cyprus, Iago’s fury only deepens. He hatches a plan, feeding Othello a web of lies about an affair between Desdemona and Cassio. What begins as suspicion spirals into obsession, as Othello is consumed by jealousy and driven to the brink.

Get ready for a powerful revival of Shakespeare’s tragedy – a story where love, trust and ambition collide with devastating consequences.

What to expect when seeing Shakespeare’s play Othello?

When seeing Shakespeare’s Othello, expect a gripping mix of emotions – from love and loyalty to jealousy and betrayal, expertly brought to the stage by complex characters.

Though written centuries ago, this dark masterpiece still hits close to home, touching on power struggles, manipulation, and the raw emotions that come with trust being broken. With modern staging and bold direction, the play feels anything but dated – it's a timeless story that still manages to surprise.

The Othello cast and creative team

This new stage adaptation of Othello comes to London’s West End under the direction of Tony Award-winner Tom Morris, with a powerful musical score by PJ Harvey that brings fresh energy to the classic tale.

The production features a star-studded cast, with David Harewood OBE (Homeland, The Night Manager) in the title role, BAFTA Award-winner Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Mr Burton) as Iago, and Caitlin Fitzgerald (Succession, The Crucible) as Desdemona.

Othello London - 2025 ticket Information 

You can book your tickets to see Othello with Visit London. Just click the “Book Now” button to choose your preferred seat and view the matching price.

Othello is set to run in London’s West End from 23 October 2025 to 17 January 2026.

What short story is Othello based on?

Othello, Shakespeare’s tragedy, is inspired by an Italian short story first published in 1565 called Un Capitano Moro by Cinthio. 

While Shakespeare stays mostly true to the original tale, he makes one major change: in the Italian version, Iago’s actions are largely driven by his love for Desdemona. Shakespeare chooses instead to explore other, darker motivations beyond just matters of the heart – including jealousy, ambition, and deep-seated resentment

How long is the Othello play?

This Shakespeare play is two hours long, including an interval.

Are there any matinees?

Othello London matinees are available to attend on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm.

When are the evening performances of Othello?

Evening performances are scheduled Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm.

Theatre Royal Haymarket venue details 

The play, Othello, is showing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, located on Suffolk Street.

How to get there:

• Underground – The closest tube station is Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines).
• Bus – Several bus routes (12, 88, 139, 159 and 453) stop by Haymarket, just a few steps away from the theatre. 
• Cycling – Hire a Santander bile and head to St Martin’s Street where you can find a docking station. he theatre is a few minutes’ walk from there.

What is the age recommendation for Othello?

Othello is recommended for anyone aged 12 and over. Please be aware that the play contains adult themes, including sex, violence and death.

What other shows can I see in London?

Head to the Wyndham’s Theatre to see All My Sons, a play where past crimes resurface years later, threatening a family suddenly forced to face the consequences of their actions.

Or catch Born with Teeth, a gripping show exploring the high-stakes collaboration between two artists – Kit Marlowe and Will Shakespeare – featuring Ncuti Gatwa and Edward Bluemel, also at the Wyndham’s Theatre.