Lenny Henry in Othello

By: William Shakespeare

Narrated by: Lenny Henry

This BBC Radio production stars much-loved actor and comedian Lenny Henry, who won the Evening Standard’s Best Newcomer Award for his stunning performance as the tortured Moor. First performed at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, it subsequently toured the country before arriving in London’s West End where Henry received rave reviews.

Featuring the cast from the acclaimed West End production and with original music from Conrad Nelson, who also plays Iago, this mesmerising radio drama grips the listener from start to tragic finish.

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.

©2010 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2010 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Powerful and moving

Lenny Henry is raw, murderous emotion. This is a wonderful program! So well-acted by all, especially Henry.

Just Incredible

The story is captivating and the performance is mesmerising. This rendering of Othello is worth every penny and every second.

Impressive

Lenny Henry has, apparently, spent most of his career doing comedy. He gives an impressive performance here as Othello: brooding, demanding, bellowing: a man of deep love and honor, a man barely contained by the limits of the play. I wasn't familiar with him or the other members of the cast, but they are all wonderful. The actress playing Desdemona is somewhat more spirited than usual - which is a good thing! I think the action surrounding the attack on Cassio is a little unclear, but I'm willing to chalk that up to momentary inattention on my part. A beautiful, powerful production.

Couldn't pass the idea of Lenny Henry as Othello

And I'm so glad I didn't. His was an outstanding performance, as was that of the whole cast. The characterizations seemed to me most appropriate. Emotions, inflections and pace matched well the scenes. I was quite engaged in the tragedy and could feel the manipulative evil of Iago. Well done indeed!

Obsessed!!!!!

Love everything about this audiobook! It is so fun and engaging! Already listened to it four times this week!!!!