The Reviews Hub Star Rating
Writer: William Shakespeare
Director: Gavin McAlinden
The Acting Gymnasium’s Gavin McAlinden’s Othello returns to the Network Theatre after a year. Also returning are the two main leads: Aryan Chavda and Michael Claff. Their production of Othello is strong and worth a visit to Waterloo.
Othello has with arguably some of Shakespeare’s best lines. As Othello, Aryan Chavda does an excellent job delivering these lines, but is, at times, overshadowed by Michael Claff’s Iago. This is not unusual as Iago is typically the standout role in the tragedy. The power play between the two men is memorising.
Interestingly, there is a third character who frequently steals the spotlight with his charismatic performance. Charles Worthington plays Cassio with a strong performance. Shakespeare’s lines easily flow out of him and he is able to command the stage well. When Worthington and Claff share a scene, there is a great push and pull between the two actors. In addition, having Cassio played by a Black actor, and Othello by a South Asian is an fascinating choice, and gives a new dimension to Cassio’s relationship with Iago and Othello.
Though Othello is a tragedy, there is still humour to be found in Thomas Broderick’s Roderigo. Broderick is a great foil to Claff’s Iago and much of the audience’s laughter comes when these two are on stage.
The set is a simple one. There is only one major set piece, and that is the bed on which Othello kills his wife. The bed is only on stage for two scenes, and it is an interesting choice to only have this one piece on set. The bed is draped in all white, like Desdemona (Prilly Lee) is throughout the performance, highlighting her innocence for all to see.
There is use of props, largely in the form of big machine guns and knives. The big machine guns are unnecessary as many of the actors using them are not always holding them properly. It feels as if the actors are playing pretend with those guns and this pulls the audience from the dialogue. Also, sometimes the delivery of lines isn’t always as sharp as it could be.
Overall ‘put money in thy purse’ and see this to see this thought-provoking take on Shakespeare’s Othello.
Runs until 21 February 2026
