Henry to make stage debut in 'Othello'

Lenny Henry is to play the part of Othello in Shakespeare's classic tragedy.

The comic's stage debut will take place next spring at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds before the show goes on a national tour.

Henry, 50, said he hopes his role in the production will attract a new audience to the theatre.

"I hope to get a diverse audience, people that haven't been to the theatre before. I do see this as something I'm going to want to do more of. It gives you gravitas," he said.

The production will be directed by Barrie Rutter, who met Henry while recording a speech from the play for Radio 4.

Following its premiere in Leeds, it will tour to Scarborough, Coventry, Bath, Kingston, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Halifax.