Sir Lenny Henry’s Journey to Othello

Three BBC Radio programmes charting Sir Lenny Henry’s transformation from comic actor to tragic hero – including the complete full-cast production of Shakespeare’s Othello Lenny Henry used to hate Shakespeare. For over 35 years he avoided anything to do with the Bard – until, in 2006, he decided to find out just what the rest of the world saw in him. In this enthralling collection, we hear how Lenny’s late-flowering passion for the legendary playwright’s works set him on the path that led to his sell-out stage debut as Othello. Bringing together this behind-the-scenes journey with the final result, this collection culminates in Lenny’s standout performance in a dynamic full-cast radio production of Othello. Lenny and Will sees him going ‘in search of the magic of Shakespeare in performance’, starting at the recreated Globe Theatre. Talking to leading actors and directors including Adrian Lester, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Peter Hall, Trevor Nunn, Dominic Dromgoole and Patsy Rodenburg, he wonders why we put Shakespeare on a pedestal, and confesses to a newfound enthusiasm for his classic dramas. And, after reciting Othello’s last speech to Northern Broadside’s Barrie Rutter, he begins to wonder if he could take on the role for real... Lenny Henry Plays Othello takes up the story where Lenny and Will left off, continuing Lenny’s personal odyssey. Having been offered the chance of a lifetime by Barrie Rutter, he sets out on a long road of preparation. Listening to his audio diary, we hear his hopes and fears – and eavesdrop on everything from coaching sessions to boot fittings. From first rehearsals to curtain up, we follow his remarkable metamorphosis into Shakespeare’s betrayed Moorish general. Finally, in Lenny Henry in Othello, we hear Lenny’s acclaimed performance as the noble African commander whose mind is poisoned by the hate-filled Iago: a stunning achievement that won him the Evening Standard’s Outstanding Newcomer Award. Featuring the cast of the acclaimed West End production and with original music from Conrad Nelson, who also plays Iago, this mesmerising tale of love, jealousy, racism and desire will grip you from start to tragic finish. Cast and credits Lenny and Will Presented by Lenny Henry Produced by Simon Elmes With Adrian Lester, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Peter Hall, Trevor Nunn, Barrie Rutter, Dominic Dromgoole and Patsy Rodenburg First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 25 Mar 2006 and 23 Dec 2006 Lenny Henry Plays Othello Produced by Simon Elmes First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 Feb 2009 Lenny Henry in Othello Iago – Conrad Nelson Roderigo – Matt Connor Brabantio – Geoff Leesley Othello – Lenny Henry Cassio – Richard Standing Duke/Gratiano – David Beckford Senator/Lodovico – Simon Holland Roberts Desdemona – Jessica Harris Montano – Andy Cryer Emilia – Sara Poyzer Herald/Gentleman – Chris Pearse Bianca – Victoria Gee Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Barrie Rutter Produced by David Hunter Music arranged by Conrad Nelson and performed by the cast Original stage production created by Northern Broadsides and West Yorkshire Playhouse and staged in London by Sonia Friedman Productions First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 Feb 2010 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd