Royal Shakespeare Company completes cast for “Othello”

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced the full ensemble for its upcoming production of Othello, completing a cast led by previously announced headliners.

The ensemble includes Al Barclay as Lodovico, Scott Brooksbank as Montano, Ricardo Castro as Messenger and John Paul Connolly as Duke of Venice. Also appearing are Jason Eddy as Sailor, Kevin N. Golding as Clown, Edward Hogg as Cassio and Colin Hurley as Brabantio.

The troupe is rounded out by Madeleine Hyland as Bianca, Graham Mackay-Bruce and Andrew Price as Senators, Johan Munir as Officer, Jonathan Oliver as Gratiano, Finlay Paul and Claire Redcliffe in the ensemble and Jethro Skinner as Roderigo.

As previously announced, Tony Award-nominated actor John Douglas Thompson will make his RSC debut in the title role. Thompson is joined by Will Keen (“The Crown,” “Wolf Hall”) as Iago, Juliet Rylance (“McMafia,” “Perry Mason”) as Desdemona and Anastasia Hille (“A Gentleman in Moscow”) as Emilia.

Tim Carroll, artistic director of Canada’s Shaw Festival, will direct the production. Carroll’s credits include productions of Twelfth Night and Richard III at Shakespeare’s Globe and The Merchant of Venice for the RSC.

The creative team consists of Judith Bowden (set and costume designer), Paule Constable (lighting designer), James Oxley (composer), Donato Wharton (sound designer), Alexis Milligan (movement director) and Kev McCurdy (fight director).

Thompson, the production’s Othello, brings a wealth of experience from Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional productions, including performances in “King Lear,” “Carousel” and “Jitney.” His film credits include roles in “The Gilded Age,” “Mare of Easttown” and the film “Till.”

Keen returns to the RSC after his most recent performance in Prince of Homburg. Rylance, making her RSC debut, brings experience from productions at BAM, The Old Vic and Shakespeare’s Globe. Hille, an Olivier and BAFTA nominee, previously appeared in the RSC’s A Winter’s Tale.

Carroll said: “It’s a big deal when you’re asked by one of the major theatre companies to direct one of the great plays. I came to theatre because I wanted Shakespeare to be at the centre of my life, so naturally I’ve always felt a deep connection with the RSC. It’s the world’s meeting place for all those who love these wonderful plays.”

The Shakespeare tragedy is scheduled to be performed at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from October 11 to November 23.