Othello-Discarded Nut Theatre Company.

William Shakespeare wrote Othello over 400 years ago, which makes the job of reviewing easier as there are no spoiler alerts, as many people know the storyline and the tragic ending. Despite how long ago this play was written, human nature has changed that much and the themes running throughout Othello of power, jealousy, manipulation and control leading to catastrophic consequences remain relevant today.

Ashley Mejri plays the role of the Moor, Othello, who has won the heart of Desdemona (Lottie Burns), much to her Father Brabrantio’s disgust played by Jim Tracey. Who doubles up in the role of Montano as Brabantio has a small role.

The storyline is based around Othello believing that his wife has been unfaithful to him after she misplace a hankerchief that he had given as a token of his love. The hankerchief is later ‘”apparently” found in the bed chamber of Cassio (Sam Claridge), and this is clear evidence that Desdemona has been unfaithful!

Othello might have listened to reason had it not been for the scheming and manipulation taking place at the hands of Iago played by the incredible actor Ben Lynn. Throughout the entire performance, Lynn never slips out of character or falters. His body language and twitches all add to the underhanded behaviour of Iago. I found myself mesmerised by his whole performance. Some actors are a natural fit to play Shakespeare characters, and Lynn is one of those.

I recently saw the West End production of Othello starring Toby Jones in the role of Iago, and after that, I thought I wouldn’t see anyone else who could rival that performance in a character. However, Lynn has achieved this.

The original musical score by Will Pickering adds the ingredients of suspense and dramatic effects to The Discarded Nut Theatre Companies version of Othello. Along with the lighting effects by lighting designer Katy Nixon, who works against the blank white staging that represents the archways that can be found around large stately homes.

Costume designer Bebe Elkins-Payne creates the indulgence of the characters’ status by using rich coloured fabrics and adding gorgeous costume jewels onto shirt lapels, which catch the light during the performance. A simple yet effective way to add status accessories and show off the wealth to the characters.

Director Noël Jones and executive director Harriet Morris have bought to the intimate stage of the Nutshell Theatre a production to rival any large budget production I have seen previously.

Playing at the Nutshell Theatre in Winchester until March 21st 2026. This is a version of Othello well worth catching before it finishes.