Othello, Royal Exchange, Manchester, until November 2 - AFTER the highs of its 25th anniversary year, what better way to resume normal business than the greatest play about love and jealousy ever written.

Othello, a black Moor army general, has married the beautiful young Desdemona -- much to her father's disgust.

His deputy, the diabolical Iago, pledges to cause his downfall by duping him that she is unfaithful with his favourite Lieutenant, Michael Cassio.

Andy Serkis, who Lord of the Rings fans may just recognise as Gollum, dominates in the role of Iago.

He flips between crazed ranting and delicate persuasion aimed at the hapless love-lorn Roderigo, who he enlists in his twisted plan.

His highly-charged exchanges with Cold Feet's Paterson Joseph, as Othello, take the audience on a gripping journey, culminating in a moving climax.

Othello runs until November 2.

Clarissa Satchell