Lenny Henry is to bring his performance as Othello to London when the Northern Broadsides production transfers to Trafalgar Studio 1 from 1 September to 12 December (press night 18 September).
This production of Shakespeare’s jealousy-driven tragedy originated at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in February, where Henry, who is best known as a comedian, received favourable notices for his Shakespearean stage debut, with Michael Billington in The Guardian praising the “simple dignity” of his performance.
One of the UK’s best loved comedians, Henry’s long career has encompassed numerous television shows in his own name as well as appearances on Chef!, Comic Strip Presents, The Delbert Wilkins Show, Hope And Glory and Comic Relief, which he co-founded. Though he is no stranger to the stage, Henry’s live performances previous to Othello were in stand-up rather than drama, and included solo shows Where You From?, So Much Things To Say, Large ’99 and Loud! He has also turned his hand to television documentaries, radio and film.
Directed by Northern Broadsides’s Artistic Director Barrie Rutter, this production of Othello also stars Conrad Nelson as Iago, Jessica Harris as Desdemona, Richard Standing as Cassio, plus David Beckford, Matt Connor, Andy Cryer, Victoria Gee, Geoff Leesley, Chris Pearse, Simon Holland Roberts and Sara Poyzer.
Nelson, who also composed the music for Othello, is a frequent collaborator with Northern Broadsides and has worked in London at the National Theatre, Young Vic and Lyric Hammersmith. Harris has been seen in the capital in Harper Regan at the National Theatre, Coco at Theatre503 and Bottle Universe for the Bush theatre.
Touring company Northern Broadsides, based in West Yorkshire, is known for its simple, ‘no frills’ approach and use of regional accents, which intends to make the classics accessible to all.
Currently playing at Trafalgar Studios 1 is The Last Cigarette, starring Felicity Kendal, Nicholas Le Prevost and Jasper Britton, which is booking to 1 August.
CB