Waiting for Godot Review: A Bleakly Funny Post-Apocalyptic Staging in Glasgow
Dominic Hill's production of Samuel Beckett's modernist classic, Waiting for Godot, at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow, presents a starkly post-apocalyptic vision that is both haunting and darkly humorous. This co-production with the Liverpool Everyman and Bolton Octagon reimagines the timeless play through a lens of desolation and decay, offering a fresh take on the existential themes that have captivated audiences for decades.
A Desolate Setting and Haunting Design
The staging, designed by Jean Chan, immerses the audience in a world at the end of history. The backdrop features a lost highway with fading telegraph poles, its material torn and worn to reveal the theatre walls, creating a sense of bleak abandonment. Central to the design is a charred, barren tree that tapers like an accusatory finger pointing at the heavens, symbolizing the play's themes of futility and despair.
At the base of this tree lies the carcass of a truck, which, under Lizzie Powell's evocative lighting, often resembles a coffin, adding to the morbid atmosphere. Even the safety curtain contributes to this eerie ambiance as it grinds upwards, setting the tone for a production that explores the harsh realities of existence in a crumbling world.
Matthew Kelly and George Costigan as a Compelling Double Act
Matthew Kelly portrays Estragon with a morose and irritable demeanor, embodying the character's physical discomfort and existential weariness. In contrast, George Costigan's Vladimir is the more cheerful of the pair, constantly devising strategies to pass the time and galvanize his companion. Their northern English accents and wild grey beards enhance their portrayal of a couple bound by irascibility and interdependence, capturing the essence of two individuals lost in a timeless void.
Kelly and Costigan's chemistry is palpable, as they navigate the comic crosstalk and poignant moments with equal skill. Their performances highlight the bleak humor of Beckett's dialogue, making the audience laugh even as they confront the play's deeper questions about life, memory, and purpose.
Supporting Characters and Themes of Cruelty
Gbolahan Obisesan as Pozzo intrudes into the sepia desolation like a vivid dream, dressed in purple and yellow, commanding the gaunt and panting Michael Hodgson as Lucky. Their presence underscores the callousness and cruelty of the end times, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The interactions between these characters reinforce the production's exploration of power dynamics and human suffering in a post-apocalyptic context.
Throughout the play, themes of nature and cyclical time emerge, as when Kelly's Estragon is momentarily captivated by the tree's single leaf, suggesting a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. The seasonal cycle continues, however threadbare, mirroring the characters' relentless wait for meaning in an indifferent universe.
Production Details and Tour Information
This production of Waiting for Godot runs at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow until 14 March. It will then tour to the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool from 17 March to 4 April, and the Octagon Theatre in Bolton from 15 April to 2 May. Dominic Hill's direction, combined with the stellar performances and innovative design, makes this a must-see for theatre enthusiasts and fans of Beckett's work.
In summary, Hill's post-apocalyptic staging offers a bleakly funny and thought-provoking interpretation of Waiting for Godot, with Matthew Kelly and George Costigan delivering standout performances that capture the play's enduring relevance and emotional depth.
