This summer's hot ticket in the West End, having been on tour in the provinces. A truly outstanding cast, in a work that must be one of the classics of the twentieth century.
I read Waiting for Godot, by Samuel Beckett when I was a teenager, at just about that age when you confuse existential angst with intellectuality. It was only in a conversation with some people at work that I remembered I had also seen it on the TV, some time in the Eighties, I think.
On a typically rainy July evening I turned up at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, to be met with the news that Patrick Stewart was indisposed. That did not surprise me - not him specifically, but the fact that my entire entertainment calendar is currently plagued with the cancellitis of key players. His cover was Gareth Williams, once of The Flying Pickets. The rest of the cast remained as it were - Ian McKellen, Simon Callow and Ronald Pickup - what a starry cast and no small reason for the 'hotness' of the tickets!
As I twittered at the time, back in the Eighties, I used to think Godot was a damning indictment of Stalinism, but I can't really remember why now - perhaps I was influenced by the prevailing mood of the Eighties to find any literary allusions that 'proved' the wrongness of Communism.
The underlying theme I got this time was about the ageing process. I am not suggesting that it was the equivalent of a TV drama set in residential care for the elderly. The two main characters hinted at a past of some merit, even though they were now tramps. Estrogen (McKellen)was emotionally, and practically, dependent upon Vladimir (Williams). I was not convinced that Vladimir could survive without Estrogen.
I don't suppose I am spoiling it by noting that Godot doesn't turn up. I expect the audience is supposed to 'know' this, otherwise it wouldn't work on a second showing. I wonder whether the characters know, really, that he won't show, but as they have nothing else to do, they might as well wait.
Performance-wise I thought that Gareth Williams was good. If I had been expecting an ordinary cast of journeyman actors I would have been pleased with his performance. And, in truth, I was far from displeased. But alongside Ian McKellen and Simon Callow, and indeed Ronald Pickup, 'good' doesn't stand up to comparison.
Although I knew that it was Ian McKellan on stage I didn't actually recognise him. Admittedly I was not helped by his big bushy beard. It was not until the curtain calls, when the actors come out of character, and I saw a particular twinkle in his eyes, and I did recognise him then. I hope that sums up how totally convincing he was in the role. It does not describe how compelling he was, how difficult it was to take my eyes off him.
Simon Callow was brilliant as Pozzo. Very OTT and blustery. I don't think it was just the blonde wig that made me think of a certain Buffoon Mayor of London. Ronald Pickup played Lucky in a very understated manner, which caused me to consider the circumstances that can cause a man, presumably a free man in a free society (but see previous comments about Stalinism). He has to have a honourable mention for very impressive, almost tenor-like, falling to and rolling-around the ground when well past the first bursts of youth.
There were longeurs in the play, which caused me to fidget somewhat (short attention span, inability to concentrate, you see) but overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. I'm not sure, ultimately, that it was intensely thought-provoking, but certainly more satisfying than mere lcd entertainment.
