Paul Savage's biography in the Nottingham Playhouse programme states that "Paul would like to thank Nottingham Playhouse, the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and the Arts Council of England for the opportunity to direct Othello." His credits included directing work at the Midland Arts Centre, the Nottingham Playhouse Roundabout Theatre, Leicester Haymarket and Stratford Circus. His assistant director credits included the Nottingham Playhouse, Young Vic, Midland Arts Centre, New Vic Theatre, Ramayana for the Birmingham Rep and National Theatre and Out of Joint's production of Feelgood.