Othello (1990)

Author:
New Play:

Venue:
Location:
Staging:

First performance:
Opening night:
Final performance:
William Shakespeare
No

Stephen Joseph Theatre In The Round
Main house (Round)
Round

26 September 1990
2 October 1990
27 October 1990
Director:
Lighting:
Design:
Music:
Fight Director:
Voice Director:
Alan Ayckbourn
Mick Hughes
Michael Holt
John Pattison
Malcolm Ranson
Barbara Berkery
Stage Manager:
Deputy Stage Manager:
Deputy Stage Manager:
Assistant Stage Manager:

Character
Othello
Desdemona
Cassio
Iago
Emilia
Bianca
Roderigo
The Duke Of Venice
Brabantio
Gratiano
Lodovico
Montano
Joanne Rolfe
Marina Kilby
Jane Tynan
Patricia Swales

Actor
Michael Gambon
Claire Skinner
Simon Dormandy
Ken Stott
Elizabeth Bell
Georgia Mitchell
Adam Godley
Peter Harlowe
Gordon Reid
Peter Laird
Rupert Vansittart
Nick Kemp

Why is this play significant?

The first and last time Alan Ayckbourn would direct a play by William Shakespeare and largely considered to not have been a success despite an extraordinary cast led by Michael Gambon and Ken Stott. Alan drastically shortened and edited the play, notoriously moving scenes around so that it 'made more sense'. The result was not a success, despite acclaim for its acting. Somewhat problematically, it is also regarded as the last major UK production of Othello in which a white actor darkened their skin to play the lead role.

Notes

○ This production of Othello marked the only time Alan Ayckbourn has directed a play by William Shakespeare.
○ The play was extensively cut by Alan Ayckbourn to reduce its running time.
○ This was the first of two performances - alongside Taking Steps - at the Stephen Joseph Theatre In The Round to feature the actor Michael Gambon. The actor had originally planned to perform in a West End production of Othello directed by Alan Ayckbourn in repertory with the playwright's Man Of The Moment. When this plan fell through, Gambon agreed to come to Scarborough to appear in the Shakespeare play and an Ayckbourn revival.
○ Othello marked a rare foray into Shakespeare for the company with only Twelfth Night (1981) and Romeo & Juliet (1994) having previously been produced by the company.
All research for this page by Simon Murgatroyd.