Review: OTHELLO, Frantic Assembly - Curve, Leicester (UK tour)

Photo credit: Tristram Kenton

Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of paranoia, sex and murder has been given a bold and striking take by Frantic Assembly in a new production that is touring to selected venues around the UK. Othello is now firmly rooted in a volatile twenty-first century. The impact of the poison of misinformation that flows through this story makes it as relevant and noticeable as ever. 

Frantic Assembly’s style adds new depth to this story that makes for engaging viewing. The highly-skilled flow through pulsating movement, whilst also ensuring they stay true to Shakespeare’s noticeable voice and tone. The director has ensured there is a deep respect for the text.

Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett have most definitely adapted and delivered a production that feels more exciting than the traditional form on which Shakespeare's work is performed. Helped massively by the lighting and sound design which throws us right into the centre of this striking production, amped up by the Hybrid soundtrack that makes Frantic Assembly’s movement distinctly more gorgeous to watch.

Michael Akinsulire leads the pack as title character, Othello. Akinsulire holds the eloquent and physically powerful presence of his character immediately. Although, we notice how he becomes easy prey to his insecurities because of his age, life as a soldier and his race. 

Noticeably though, Othello is about the characters around him and how they influence the course of this story. Joe Layton’s play, with the twisting and turning of Iago’s misinformation, is played out perfectly. Chanel Waddock makes a recognisable take on Desdemona that’s as though we have been thrust into the East End of London. At times quite humorous in the fusion of modern and traditional, it does well within the context of the story that Othello sits in. 

Othello is a hard-hitting, powerful story but Frantic Assembly have done it in a way that enables audiences to feel inspired and engaged throughout. 

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Emmie Newitt

Frantic Assembly’s production of Othello is playing at multiple venues across the UK until Feb 2023. For ticket information, please click here.