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