This was probably what those behind this production thought the nation's snobs would make of Lenny Henry treading the boards as Othello, the Moorish general who presumed to marry the daughter of a Venetian senator.

The publicity material writes itself. Except that anyone who watched Hope and Glory knew he could act, and his career and recent writing proves he has the brains.

In a production that takes few real risks, Lenny Henry's Othello is much like his persona: a straightforward, likeable man.

Although he undoubtedly has presence, Henry does not carry the soldierly menace some lines suggest. Nor is there early evidence of the jealousy that brings about his end.

Instead, Conrad Nelson as Iago carries the play through its early acts. Sinewy and colourless, his whole body twists as he confides his plans to destroy Othello.

It comes close to hamming at times, but his scenes alone with Othello are among the best of the evening, and a comic scene in which he gets his pawn Cassio drunk wins a round of applause.

Elsewhere, the programme notes contain a wrongheaded attempt to blame Desdemona for the tragedy. Playing the role, Jessica Harris is sweet but lacks presence and Maeve Larkin has more bite as her unblushing maid Emilia.

The pacing is the only real problem. Pauses between scenes are brief and at times the actors rattle through the lines, making the dialogue hard to follow and Othello's transition from love to jealousy almost too quick.

Even so, when the final scenes come, the comedian turned tragic actor is powerful, sensitive and convincing.

Robert Collins

Verdict: Straightforward but sensitive.