STAR PERFORMERS, ACCLAIMED DIRECTOR AND TIMELESS TALE

Two Olivier Award-winners take the stage, head to head, in Shakespeare's Othello. In the title role is Adrian Lester, of BBC's Hustle fame and for his monumental performance in Henry V at the National Theatre, while Iago is played by Rory Kinnear, from The Last of the Haussmans and James Bond: Skyfall.

At the helm of this powerful and abrasive military drama is accomplished director Nicholas Hytner (One Man, Two Guvnors; Timon of Athens; Henry V). With modern staging and sharp contemporary relevance, Shakespeare?s story about the destructive power of jealousy leaps to life. Gripping, agile and witty, Hytner's Othello is an emotionally riveting and brilliantly intense production.

WHAT IS OTHELLO ABOUT?

Othello, a motivated and charismatic general in the Venetian army, and Desdemona, who is half his age and the only daughter of a highly esteemed family, have recently married. When he is appointed leader of a military operation, Othello promotes Cassio, a young and personable officer. But Othello's ensign Iago was hoping for a promotion and is bitterly disappointed and frustrated when he is passed over in favour of Cassio. Iago plots against both Othello and Cassio. As Othello's most trusted confidant, Iago weaves webs of insinuation and subterfuge to convince Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair.

DID YOU KNOW?

Just over 10 years ago, Nicholas Hytner staged his first Shakespearean modernisation at the National Theatre. Henry V was a celebrated and remarkable production which clearly referenced the war in Iraq. Like Othello, Henry V saw Adrian Lester in the title role.

This is also not the first time Hytner and Rory Kinnear (Iago) have worked together. Fairly recently, Kinnear played in Hytner's highly acclaimed Hamlet.