Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Tickets and more information: http://www.uniontheatre.biz/othello.html
Booking until: 6th April 2019
Production Photos by: Scott Rylander
Run time: 2hr 45 mins 

Reinterpreting Shakespeare’s Othello, director Phil Willmott has taken the original text and changed the setting to during the British Raj, to commemorate the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. While still highlighting the themes of racial tension and intense jealousy amongst the higher ranks, I found that the play fell flat for me, due to my lack of knowledge on the history of the setting.

Although director Phil Willmott’s programme notes give an overview of what happened and why he decided to change the setting, I found that going into the play blind, despite having seen a production of Othello elsewhere, really didn’t help my enjoyment of the play. However, it must be said that Justin Williams & Jonny Rust’s set design is absolutely brilliant and incredibly atmospheric that really transports the audience. The cast are a great ensemble with Matthew Wade leading the cast as Othello, who is truly remarkable and portrays Othello’s downfall very well. But I have to admit, he is outshone by Rikki Lawton who delivers a forceful and sinister Iago and is truly captivating to watch.

This is certainly a production of a Shakespeare play that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. It’s a well done production, but unfortunately it wasn’t really enough to grasp my attention for the almost 3 hour run time.

Until next time,