Waiting for Godot
Citizens' Theatre Company
Waiting for Godot comes with a lot of baggage: it is heralded by many as the greatest play of the 20th century; viewed as a discourse in existentialism and seen as the starting point of a new movement in world theatre.
Analytical work examines every line, name and stage direction for significance. With all of this, it’s easy to forget that Beckett meant for the play to be first and foremost one thing: entertainment.
"Easily accessible
to those who have
not experienced
Beckett’s work
before"
The current production at the Citizens is entertaining – very much so at times.
Director Guy Hollands has created a solid production, both embracing Beckett’s work and finding fresh life. The staging is clever, effectively balancing the characters and the dramatic action, and for the most part the pacing is quick.
Kevin McMonagle and Gerry Mulgrew are the two transients, Estragon and Vladimir, and bring comedic sparks that compliment each other in playfulness and seriousness. James Ryland’s Pozzo is a mixture of power and passion, an individual that may nurture or lash out at any given moment. Keith MacPherson’s Lucky is both funny and heartbreaking; his monologue of random thinking – that first pleases, then tortures, the others – is a highlight. Even William Ruane’s Boy, a character on stage for less than five minutes, fits comfortably into the action.
I heard a lot of mumbles from the audience, during and after the performance, with opinion evenly split. Many found much to dislike, comparing it unfavourably to their preferred interpretations, while others were pleasantly surprised – shocked, even – that the play was alive and funny.
It may not be the best production of the play I’ve seen, but with its fine performances and focus on comedy, this Godot is enjoyable. It is easily accessible to those who have not experienced Beckett’s work before, while offering enough fresh ideas to keep those familiar with the play happy.
Michael Cox
Until March 8 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow. Tel: 0141 429 0022.
www.citz.co.uk
Have you seen this production? Share your views!
What the papers said:
The Guardian:
**** "Gerry Mulgrew and Kevin McMonagle are genial old boys, polite and stoic in the face of the existential void that lies but a music-hall routine away"
The Herald:
**** "Gerry Mulgrew and Kevin McMonagle spark off each other with the sort of pronounced gallus patter that lays bare their co-dependence"
Metro:
**** "Mulgrew and McMonagle make sure that while time may drag for them, it certainly doesn't for the audience"
The Scotsman:
**** "[a] beautiful, lucid production... Gerry Mulgrew and Kevin McMonagle produce a pair of beautiful, unsentimental, light-touch performances"
Sunday Herald:
"Accomplished if uneven... the production is blessed with some superb casting"
