The Royal Shakespeare Company announced that its production of Othello, starring Olivier Award‑winning actress Sharon D Clarke in the title role, will be postponed while she undergoes cancer treatment. The decision affects the run scheduled for next year from 13 February to 3 April at the Swan Theatre in Stratford‑upon‑Avon.
Impact on touring plans
The postponement also threatens a planned North American tour that was to include performances at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre and other venues in the United States. Canadian theatre groups have praised Clarke’s groundbreaking interpretation, while US critics have highlighted the production’s relevance to contemporary discussions of race and gender.
Refunds and future programming
The RSC said all ticket holders will be automatically refunded and that replacement programming will be announced in due course.
Clarke’s response
Clarke thanked supporters, saying, "I would like to thank all the beautiful people at the RSC for their understanding, love, support and healing energy. Othello will be my north star as I undergo treatment." She also expressed gratitude to her wife, theatre director Susie McKenna, and to her family and friends for the outpouring of love.
Comments from the creative team
Director Monique Touko said the production re‑imagines Shakespeare’s tragedy through the lens of misogynoir and that Clarke’s generosity and passion have been central to the project. Co‑artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey added that casting Clarke as Othello is integral to the adaptation and that the postponement was made to give her the time and space needed for treatment.
Clarke’s career
Clarke is a veteran of major West End and National Theatre productions and has appeared on television in Holby City, Doctor Who and Ellis. Her film work includes the recent live‑adaptation of Wicked and its sequel For Good. In the 1990s she enjoyed chart success as part of the house duo Nomad, which produced hits such as "(I Wanna Give You) Devotion" and "Just A Groove".