Othello – Liverpool Playhouse

Formed in 1994 Frantic Assembly is the UK’s foremost physical theatre company. Their inimitable and often compelling style of theatre has undoubtedly elevated their reputation both at home and on the international theatre scene. They are an exciting and innovative theatre company producing work that resonates and stays long in the memory of their audience and now they turn their attention to one of Shakespeare’s darkest tales of jealousy, passion, and revenge.

Of course, being Frantic Assembly, they manage to conjure up a new translation of Shakespeare’s painfully beautiful play and transport the action to a modern-day poolroom in a pub.

It shouldn’t really work on paper but through audacious and complex movement alongside strong performances from the cast and imaginative direction from Scott Graham, Frantic Assembly have achieved something special.

Graham adapted this new version with Steven Hoggett, and they have maintained a brilliant balance between the physical world and Shakespeare’s intricate and poetic text, indeed the heady mixture of movement and speech is intoxicating and to have a pool table as a central focus to the play is a fascinating concept.

Without a doubt this is strong muscular theatre and certainly not for the faint of heart. It’s a rebel shout to the more traditional Othello’s that we have all grown used to.

The entire cast build up a fantastic energy throughout the play and shine throughout, Othello (Michael Akinsulire), Desdemona (Chanel Waddock) and Iago (Joe Layton).

Akinsulire gives a sharp and nuanced performance as the troubled warrior, how could he ever doubt Desdemona? how indeed could he ever trust Iago? He has great stage presence, as indeed his character should have but he is totally magnetic throughout the performance, both urgent and thrilling to watch and he gives one of the finest renditions of Shakespeare’s disturbed anti-hero I have ever seen on the stage.

 Layton gives an assured and powerful performance as the hateful Iago, his physicality in the role is outstanding and his characterisation is both fierce and illuminating.

 Waddock gives a sensitive and keenly measured performance as the street wise though vulnerable Desdemona who is caught in the tragic crossfire between the two men. Her character (though ultimately tragic) provides some welcome light in the chaos of the poolroom as the politics of Shakespeare’s play comes into it own.

This production is heightened by the excellent dance soundtrack devised by Gareth Fry and Hybrid and special mentions must go to Laura Hopkins fluid and highly adaptable set and the noir(ish) and dynamic lighting by Natasha Chivers and Andy Purves.

This Othello may not be for some Shakespeare purists but there is no doubt this production from Frantic Assembly is a refreshing and vibrant take on disloyalty and jealous rage.

A truly mesmerising theatrical experience – not to be missed!

Reviewer: Kiefer Williams

Reviewed: 4th October 2022

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★

Frantic Assembly’s Othello is currently on tour throughout the UK –

Liverpool Playhouse 4th – 8th October

Theatre Royal, Plymouth 11th – 15th October

York Theatre Royal 18th – 22nd October

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford 1st – 5th November

Oxford Playhouse 8th – 12th November

The Lowry, Salford Quays 15th – 19th November

MAST Mayflower Studios 22nd – 26th November