David Harewood, Toby Jones, and Caitlin FitzGerald to star in 'Othello' in the West End

This new production will see David Harewood return to the title role of Othello, having been the first black actor to play the part at the National Theatre in 1997.

A new production of Othello starring David Harewood, Toby Jones, and Caitlin FitzGerald will open in the West End this winter. Performances begin on 23 October at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Shakespeare’s classic play about jealousy, rage, power, and toxic masculinity will see Harewood (Homeland, Best of Enemies) return to the title role of Othello, having been the first black actor to play the part at the National Theatre in 1997.

He is joined by Jones (Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Detectorists) as Iago and FitzGerald (Succession, Masters of Sex) as Desdemona.

Harewood said: “It’s very exciting to be tackling this monumental part once again. Last time around I was very conscious of breaking through a particular glass ceiling and I probably felt the weight of that. No concerns this time and I’m looking forward to starting afresh.”

Jones said: “I am eagerly anticipating rehearsals for Othello with David Harewood, Caitlin FitzGerald and Tom Morris, preparing as best I can to immerse myself in this dark, sad, funny, mysterious world.”

FitzGerald commented: “I am thrilled to be joining this incredible production with these incredible people, and to explore a Desdemona who is full of agency, fearless in both mind and heart, and a true equal to Othello.”

Tom Morris (War Horse), who directs, added: “The glittering screen careers of David Harewood, Toby Jones and Caitlin FitzGerald are built on their love of theatre. David blazed into the theatrical limelight as Romeo with Temba Theatre Company and Othello at the National Theatre, establishing himself as a live actor of rare charisma. 

“At the same time, Toby’s company the Table Show played a key part in the creative explosion at the Battersea Arts Centre, honing the playful storytelling instincts which have made him a watchword in film and TV.  And underlying the intelligence and searing wit of Caitlin’s screen performances in Succession, Love Simple and Masters of Sex is a rare theatrical craft expressed in the Hedda Gabler which blew former New York Times Critic, Ben Brantley’s mind.”

The rest of the creative team includes PJ Harvey (music), Ti Green (design), Jon Nicholls (sound design and additional music), Richard Howell (lighting design), Dominic Skinner (make-up design), Suzanne Scotcher (hair and wigs design), and Laila Diallo (movement director).

Further casting is to be announced.

The production will run from 23 October - 17 January, 2026.

Check back for Othello tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: David Harewood, Toby Jones, and Caitlin FitzGerald. (Photo courtesy of production)