Lenny Henry as Othello, by Nobby Clark

Following a successful tour, British comedian and actor Lenny Henry has come to the West End with his stage debut in The Northern Broadsides and West Yorkshire Playhouse production of Othello. Directed by Barrie Rutter, Othello runs at the Trafalgar Studios in London until Saturday 12 December 2009. 
Love, racism, jealousy and desire are at the emotional core of Shakespeare’s monumental tragedy, a tender love story shattered by one man’s obsessive hatred of another. Othello is noble, brave and victorious. Iago, passed over for a position in the army, fuels his diabolical revenge with hatred and snarling racism. Poignant, intense and heartbreaking, Othello mercilessly explores every inch of the human condition. Lenny Henry apparently "didn't get" Shakespeare when he studied the Bard's work at school, but critics agree that he hasn't let that hold him back in this popular stage debut. The full cast is: David Beckford (Duke/Gratiano), Matt Connor (Roderigo), Andy Cryer (Montano), Victoria Gee (Bianca), Jessica Harris (Desdemona), Lenny Henry (Othello), Geoff Leesley (Brabantio), Conrad Nelson (Iago), Chris Pearse (Herald), Simon Holland Roberts (Senator/Lodovico), Sara Poyzer (Emilia) and Richard Standing (Cassio). Box Office: 0870 060 6632; www.othellowestend.com.