Waiting For Godot - Library Theatre - 05/02/08 by Kashif Naveed

Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” has often divided opinion I have found, so what better opportunity to witness at first hand the meanderings of Vladimir, Estragon, Pozzo and Lucky, as it made a welcome return to Manchester’s Library Theatre this week.

It is hard to believe that it has been some 30 odd years since the Library Theatre last put on Samuel Beckett’s production “Waiting for Godot” given how much of a classical theatre production it has become since its premiere in 1955. It is also hard to believe that I have somehow stumbled upon the fortunes of yet another renowned actor to have walked Manchester’s famous cobbled stones.

For only a hop, skip and jump away over the Irwell is Coronation Street’s Fred Elliott, aka John Savident, playing Hobson, to much critical acclaim as it happens (well mine at least) and we do not have to tread far to see another famous Corrie stalwart making his forays into the city’s theatrical cornucopia of showmanship. Roy Cropper, aka David Neilson, was allowed special dispensation to take his place with an array of stars, on and off the stage it transpired.

Indeed, it would be amiss of me not to tell you dear readers of the company that I was in for this performance, with stars (mainly from Coronation Street) mingling with civic celebrities (Okay the Mayor, but in my defence of heightened exultation, it was the Mayor!).

And what of the play I hear you ask dear readers? For those uninitiated to Beckett’s celebrated play, Waiting for Godot is exactly that. The main characters of Vladimir and Estragon, wait for Godot, and whilst they wait they contemplate suicide and meet the affluent Pozzo and his much embattled slave Lucky (played by Roy Cropper). And that is it. For both acts.

There is no plot in the conventional sense, in that there is a beginning, middle and end. Is there a meaning to all of this? Perhaps. Does Godot make an appearance? Perhaps. Is Pozzo Godot? Perhaps. Indeed, it is quite apt given that Beckett himself once remarked that the key word in his theatre is ‘perhaps’ and nothing more sums this up than ‘Waiting for Godot’.

Therefore, this simplicity of taking what you see and interpreting it from it what you like is what drives people to hold such polar opposites in respect to this play. It is hardly surprising to read in the programme notes of its initial reception being met with disdain, and people leaving their seats in droves.

Nevertheless, despite its grand illusions, we do have the makings of an appealing piece that should find a receptive audience in this part of the world. Chris Honer does an excellent job in directing a fine cast that not only includes Nielsen performing admirably as Lucky, but also David Felder and George Costigan continuing their onstage alliance that has seen them perform and act in more than thirty shows as the corrigible duo Didi and Gogo, whilst Russell Dixon positively delights as Pozzo.

There are also some wonderful light hearted moments punctuated throughout the evening that balances the more intriguing parts of the play. All in all you get what you see with Beckett, and very much in keeping with that line, Waiting for Godot admirably follows suit.