Samuel Beckett’s timeless classic, Waiting For Godot, has returned in this dazzling new staging in a collaboration between Citizens Theatre, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and Octagon Theatre Bolton. Matthew Kelly and George Costigan star together as Estragon and Vladimir respectively, or as they affectionately call each other, Gogo and Didi. Joined by Gbolahan Obisesan as Pozzo, Daniel Magill as The Boy, and with a stellar performance from Michael Hodgson as Lucky, this production, directed by Dominic Hill was funny, exciting, and deeply moving.
Despite its reputation as the play where nothing happens, this production was anything but dull, with each moment delivering either sharp humour or a thought-provoking moment. Set in a shifting, timeless landscape, Waiting for Godot follows Vladimir and Estragon where they do exactly that; wait for Godot, a man who may not exist and may never come. As they wait each day, we hear their inner thoughts, explore their relationships with each other, and see how they interact with the strangers that cross their paths. There are moments of tenderness, lots of comedy, and reflections on the repetitiveness of life, when it feels like the waiting will never end.
Once again the Everyman Theatre provides a great space for a unique set, with Jean Chan’s set design creating the perfect desolate landscape on which to set the performance. The forced perspective backdrop placed the actors in the middle of a wasteland, but The Boy entering through a rip in it contributed to the confusing space and time theme within the play. Additionally, the abandoned car seat provided the perfect perch for the actors without obstructing the audience’s view, which is always a tricky obstacle when using a thrust stage, but was perfectly fitting with the mise-en-scene of the entire show.
The chemistry between Costigan and Kelly cannot be overlooked, as their lifelong friendship in real life bleeds through into the delightful rapport between Vladimir and Estragon. Watching them together was a joy as an audience member, and both their performances breathed new life into the iconic play. Jumping with ease from bickering, to laughing together, to comforting each other, the duo worked wonderfully against each other, and also when teamed up against Pozzo and Lucky.
A highlight in this production was Michael Hodgson’s portrayal of Lucky. Hodgson’s physicality throughout his entire performance was incredible, making the audience truly believe that he was in a lot of physical pain. His full commitment to the role was evident as he was pulled around the stage and drooled onto the floor, whilst balancing a plethora of props. His monologue after being ordered to ‘Think, Pig!’ towards the end of the first act was completely enthralling, capturing the audience’s full attention and demonstrating incredible range as an actor.
Similarly, Gbolahan Obisesan demonstrated great range, from the grand and exuberant Pozzo of the first act, to the downtrodden and distrustful Pozzo of the second. Obisesan commanded the stage whenever he was present, and his costume contributed to the grandeur that he brought to the performance.
This interpretation of Beckett’s classic was a hit, and is a great way to bring Waiting for Godot to Liverpool audiences, it will be running at the Everyman Theatre until the 4th of April.
For more information and tickets visit everymanplayhouse.com/event/waiting-for-godot.