Waiting for Godot
"tight direction, good use of space and a strong cast... a very well-produced piece"
New Era Players, Emma at New Era Theatre, Wash Common, on 20-22 June and 25-29 June 2024
A SINGLE tree stands in a bleak landscape. Paradoxically two friends, Vladimir and Estragon, wait both anxiously and patiently for a man who never appears, for reasons we are not privy to. Their only distraction from the interminable wait is the arrival of a different man, Pozzo, and his slave, Lucky. Later, a boy delivers the news that the longed-for Godot will not, after all, be coming today…
Waiting for Godot, an absurdist tragicomedy, has been described as the most significant English-language play of the 20th century and equally, a play where nothing happens. It carries with it the risk of becoming tedious in the wrong hands, and while at times the pace did drop, through tight direction, good use of space and a strong cast, director Mike Huxtable skillfully highlighted the frustration, monotony and contrasting themes of this play, not least through his subtle design; a muted blue/grey palette reflected in Vladimir and Estragon’s costumes, suddenly and harshly infiltrated by the arrival of Pozzo and Lucky in their earthy hues. Small touches such as the beautiful moon, and Estragon’s boots on display during the interval were appreciated.
While more variation in emotions may have given a little more depth, what stood out was the successful portrayal of their dysfunctional but ultimately touching relationship. Of particular note was Didi’s attempt to sing Gogo to sleep, and their physical connection symbolized by the comforting and reassuring hand holding at the end of act one. The fluctuation between affection and irritation was clear, and we were given an insight into the ways in which they navigate their way through the relentless tedium of life.
Andy Kempe as Pozzo gave us the required pomposity to counter the friends and Ranjan Bhuyan embodied the downtrodden Lucky perfectly, down to his mournful eyes, laboured breathing and precision in fulfilling the tasks his master puts upon him.
The tension building up to his eventual outburst was palpable, and the change in dynamic between the four in the second act was clear, leaving us feeling every empathy for the now blind Pozzo.
In what may be a reflection of the whole piece, and indeed life in general, after helping Pozzo to his feet Vladimir asks, ‘what happens if you fall again, without our help?’ Pozzo’s poignant reply; ‘we’ll wait for help and get up again’ suddenly seemed very significant. Peter Lilleystone as the boy who delivers the news that Godot will not arrive made this small but vital part his own with just the right amount of trepidation (played by Bertie Croft on alternative performances).
While some of the physical business could have been slightly slicker (it’s a shame Estragon’s trousers couldn’t have come down more quickly!) and despite some occasional sight line issues on a full stage, this was a very well-produced piece. On a practical note, the entire cast should be applauded for their line retention on what is a very word-heavy script; it was a brave choice and the players embraced the challenge head on.
‘Shall we just go?’ pleads Gogo repeatedly. Only to be told with muted patience by his Didi that ‘We can’t. We are waiting for Godot’.
HELEN SAXTON
© 2024 Newbury Weekly News
Cast
Estragon – Neil Dewdney
Vladimir – Gareth Croft
Pozzo – Andy Kempe
Lucky – Ranjan Bhuyan
a boy – Peter Lillystone/Bertie Croft
Crew
Director – Mike Huxtable
Stage Manager Clem Muller
Lighting and Sound John Cordery, Crispin Bishop
Set Construction Clem Muller and Jess Choi and Team
Props & Set Design Mike Huxtable
Costume Co-ordinator Justine Fry
Multi Media Sally Hall, Rachel Lashford
Prompt Clem Muller
Programme & Poster Editor Webb
New Era Players’ next production, ‘Waiting for Godot’ by Samuel Beckett, is considered a seminal masterpiece of twentieth century theatre. It is a finely wrought tragi-comedy which symbolically captures the unresolved absurdity and tragedy of the human condition. The play focuses on two tramps waiting at the roadside, next to a leafless tree, for the arrival of the mysterious Godot, who sends word that he will come but he never appears. Instead, they encounter two strangers, Pozzo and his slave, Lucky, whom they engage in conversation. The characters have no fixed memory of what has gone before, therefore, time has no bearing on events. But don’t wait too long before booking your tickets to see this ground-breaking production. New Era present ‘Waiting for Godot’ from 20 th to 22 nd , then 25 th to 29 th June 2024 at the New Era Theatre, Andover Road, Wash Common, Newbury RG146NU. Tickets are £15 each and are available online at ticketsource.co.uk/new-era-players. For other enquiries, email the Box Office at boxoffice@neweraplayers.org or call 07919 916009. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. This amateur production of “Waiting for Godot” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. On behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
"tight direction, good use of space and a strong cast... a very well-produced piece"
New Era Players, Emma at New Era Theatre, Wash Common, on 20-22 June and 25-29 June 2024
A SINGLE tree stands in a bleak landscape. Paradoxically two friends, Vladimir and Estragon, wait both anxiously and patiently for a man who never appears, for reasons we are not privy to. Their only distraction from the interminable wait is the arrival of a different man, Pozzo, and his slave, Lucky. Later, a boy delivers the news that the longed-for Godot will not, after all, be coming today…
Waiting for Godot, an absurdist tragicomedy, has been described as the most significant English-language play of the 20th century and equally, a play where nothing happens. It carries with it the risk of becoming tedious in the wrong hands, and while at times the pace did drop, through tight direction, good use of space and a strong cast, director Mike Huxtable skillfully highlighted the frustration, monotony and contrasting themes of this play, not least through his subtle design; a muted blue/grey palette reflected in Vladimir and Estragon’s costumes, suddenly and harshly infiltrated by the arrival of Pozzo and Lucky in their earthy hues. Small touches such as the beautiful moon, and Estragon’s boots on display during the interval were appreciated.
While more variation in emotions may have given a little more depth, what stood out was the successful portrayal of their dysfunctional but ultimately touching relationship. Of particular note was Didi’s attempt to sing Gogo to sleep, and their physical connection symbolized by the comforting and reassuring hand holding at the end of act one. The fluctuation between affection and irritation was clear, and we were given an insight into the ways in which they navigate their way through the relentless tedium of life.
Andy Kempe as Pozzo gave us the required pomposity to counter the friends and Ranjan Bhuyan embodied the downtrodden Lucky perfectly, down to his mournful eyes, laboured breathing and precision in fulfilling the tasks his master puts upon him.
The tension building up to his eventual outburst was palpable, and the change in dynamic between the four in the second act was clear, leaving us feeling every empathy for the now blind Pozzo.
In what may be a reflection of the whole piece, and indeed life in general, after helping Pozzo to his feet Vladimir asks, ‘what happens if you fall again, without our help?’ Pozzo’s poignant reply; ‘we’ll wait for help and get up again’ suddenly seemed very significant. Peter Lilleystone as the boy who delivers the news that Godot will not arrive made this small but vital part his own with just the right amount of trepidation (played by Bertie Croft on alternative performances).
While some of the physical business could have been slightly slicker (it’s a shame Estragon’s trousers couldn’t have come down more quickly!) and despite some occasional sight line issues on a full stage, this was a very well-produced piece. On a practical note, the entire cast should be applauded for their line retention on what is a very word-heavy script; it was a brave choice and the players embraced the challenge head on.
‘Shall we just go?’ pleads Gogo repeatedly. Only to be told with muted patience by his Didi that ‘We can’t. We are waiting for Godot’.
HELEN SAXTON
© 2024 Newbury Weekly News
Cast
Estragon – Neil Dewdney
Vladimir – Gareth Croft
Pozzo – Andy Kempe
Lucky – Ranjan Bhuyan
a boy – Peter Lillystone/Bertie Croft
Crew
Director – Mike Huxtable
Stage Manager Clem Muller
Lighting and Sound John Cordery, Crispin Bishop
Set Construction Clem Muller and Jess Choi and Team
Props & Set Design Mike Huxtable
Costume Co-ordinator Justine Fry
Multi Media Sally Hall, Rachel Lashford
Prompt Clem Muller
Programme & Poster Editor Webb
New Era Players’ next production, ‘Waiting for Godot’ by Samuel Beckett, is considered a seminal masterpiece of twentieth century theatre. It is a finely wrought tragi-comedy which symbolically captures the unresolved absurdity and tragedy of the human condition. The play focuses on two tramps waiting at the roadside, next to a leafless tree, for the arrival of the mysterious Godot, who sends word that he will come but he never appears. Instead, they encounter two strangers, Pozzo and his slave, Lucky, whom they engage in conversation. The characters have no fixed memory of what has gone before, therefore, time has no bearing on events. But don’t wait too long before booking your tickets to see this ground-breaking production. New Era present ‘Waiting for Godot’ from 20 th to 22 nd , then 25 th to 29 th June 2024 at the New Era Theatre, Andover Road, Wash Common, Newbury RG146NU. Tickets are £15 each and are available online at ticketsource.co.uk/new-era-players. For other enquiries, email the Box Office at boxoffice@neweraplayers.org or call 07919 916009. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. This amateur production of “Waiting for Godot” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. On behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
