JAMES EARL JONES - LENNY HENRY TO MAKE STAGE DEBUT IN OTHELLO TOUR

LENNY HENRY TO MAKE STAGE DEBUT IN OTHELLO TOUR

Lenny Henry will take on one of Shakespeare's most demanding roles as he makes his stage debut, it has been announced.

The comedian, 50, is to take the lead role in a touring production of Othello with the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Henry explained that he was inspired to take the role after remembering his time making the film True Identity in 1991.

"The sub-plot involved my character understudying [actor] James Earl Jones in the role of Othello," he said.

"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."

Henry, husband of comedienne Dawn French, went on: "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."

The new production of Othello, directed by Barrie Rutter, will form part of the spring season at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds in 2009 before going on a national tour with performances in Scarborough, Coventry, Bath, Kingston, Newcastle under Lyme and Halifax.