Moor the merrier as Lenny makes debut as Othello

Lenny Henry is to make his stage acting debut in one of the most demanding roles in theatre - Othello.

The star will mark his 50th birthday by tackling the jealous Moor in a production coming to the Rose Theatre in Kingston as part of a national tour.

Henry said he was "absolutely delighted" at the opportunity. "This role will be a huge challenge and I look forward to joining the company and rolling up my sleeves for the hard work that will follow," he said.

He was first inspired to play Othello while making the 1991 film True Identity in Los Angeles. The comedy tells the story of a black actor, played by Henry, who wants to play a part in Othello but ends up having to adopt the identity of a white man to escape the Mafia.

"I worked with a fantastic actor, James Earl Jones, who was playing himself in the movie. The sub-plot involved my character understudying James in the role of Othello," said Henry.

"He and I discussed the role many times over the filming period, and as one of America's premier black actors, I felt honoured to have the privilege of his wisdom. He told me that when the time was right I should jump in with both feet, work hard, keep my eyes and ears open and let the text do all the heavy lifting."

The new production is being directed by Barrie Rutter, who runs the Halifaxbased Northern Broadsides company, in a joint venture with West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds. He and Henry first worked together on Lenny and Will, a show exploring the magic of Shakespeare for Radio 4.

"When I first met Barrie during an extended Shakespeare master-class at [BBC] Broadcasting House, his words during that session echoed James Earl Jones's and a big lightbulb went off over my head. I can't wait," Henry said.

Mr Rutter said: "I first met Lenny over a microphone whilst recording an Othello speech. Afterwards Lenny declared to me that 'sitting with his back against a wall, learning lines in a company of actors' was a strong desire of his.

"I didn't need any prompting and two weeks later, with the West Yorkshire Playhouse on board as co-producers, we were able to offer Lenny a done deal. It's exciting stuff."

Henry, who turned 50 in August, first came to fame winning the TV talent show New Faces in 1975. He is married to actress Dawn French.

The production of Othello opens in Leeds in February before touring venues including Scarborough and Bath. It can be seen at the Rose Theatre from 21 to 25 April next year.