Writer: Samuel Beckett

Director: Ian Brown

Designer: Paul Wills

Reviewer: S. E. Webster

The Public Reviews Rating:

One of the archetypal plays of the 20th Century, Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot still has audiences and critics standing up and asking questions about life issues, especially the inevitability of death. It’s a play that continues to push the boundaries of modern theatre, and the Ian Brown production is no exception. Beginning its national tour at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, this production features an all-black cast and the influence of Talawa Theatre Company, thus bringing a refreshing and alternative production to the theatre stage.

The set itself was brilliantly thought out. There are no scene changes in the play, only two acts, which are purely divided by the time space of one day. A single tree was placed centre-stage, with the stage floor broken up at the base of the trunk and slightly raised in the immediate area surrounding it. The impression of roots and new life, further enhanced by the addition of a few green leaves in Act II, nicely contrasted to the character’s dialogues, which continued to circle round back to the subject of death. Indeed, the symbol of the tree of life, upon which Patrick Robinson’s Estragon continues to threaten hanging himself upon, was highly thought provoking. The disruption of the stage floor also provided different levels for the actors to sit stand and lie on, and thus it made the otherwise bare stage visually more interesting and gave the actors more scope to work with.

Subtle sound effects were particularly evident during the first half of the play, where the faint whistling of wind could be heard beneath the dialogue of the actors on stage. The effects didn’t cause interruption to our focus upon the characters, but actually enhanced the stage set and location, whilst helping to create layers of sound, which translated well to the audience.

The acting was flawless on all fronts. With no scene changes, and minimal props, Waiting for Godot would be an exhausting production for any actor – not for this cast however. Tirelessly infusing their surroundings with energy and great movement, each of them fully engaged with the space, the audience and one another. Meanwhile, the predominantly West Jamaican accents brought genuine warmth and depth to the dialogue, and nicely contrasted to the Midlands accent of Guy Burgess.

In the play, his character Lucky is enslaved by the cruel and tyrannical master, Pozzo, played by Cornell S John. He was highly convincing in his portrayal of the dumb man, and he brought a lot of humour to the role, such as when he tries to dance for Pozzo, Estragon, and Valdimir. However, his highlight was undoubtedly the execution of his only and incredibly long speech. Every word fully articulated and delivered at speed, whilst employing modulation and verbal and physical body expression was highly impressive. Throughout the rest of the action his chemistry with Cornell S John was wonderful, and the latter can be applauded for his portrayal of the tyrant/aristocrat Pozzo, who oscillates between domineering power and helplessness.

The two central characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who are waiting for Godot, were played by Jeffery Kissoon and Patrick Robinson. Their frustration, anxieties, and friendship were beautifully portrayed. As actors they gave polished performances that shone with huge talent.

Meanwhile, Fisayo Akinade, fresh out of drama school, held his own amongst a cast of incredibly experienced and talented older actors. Playing the boy with huge sensitivity and a strain of nervous anxiety, his talent is clear and will no doubt be one to watch out for in the acting world.

This is an absolutely must-see production of Beckett’s most famous play.

Runs until 25th February

Photograph: Richard Hubert Smith

Tags: Chris Davey, Cornell S John, Drama, Emily Kempson, Fisayo Akinade, Guy Burgess, Ian Brown, Ian Trollope, Jeffrey Kissoon, Leeds, Pat Cumper, Patrick Robinson, Paul Wills, Samuel Beckett, Talawa Theatre Company, Waiting for Godot, West Yorkshire Playhouse