After three years at the Old Vic , Olivier advised Gambon to gain experience in provincial rep. In 1967 , he left the NT for the Birmingham Repertory Company which was to give him his first crack at the title roles in Othello ( his favorite ) , Macbeth and Coriolanus . After three years at the Old Vic , Olivier advised Gambon to gain experience in provincial rep. In 1967 , he left the NT for the Birmingham Repertory Company , which was to give him his first crack at the title roles in Othello ( his favorite ) , Macbeth and Coriolanus .