Theater Review: “Waiting for Godot”, Starring Jeff Rawle

Jeff Rawle (Amos Diggory) makes his return to the stage in a revival of Samuel Beckett’s most famous play, Waiting for Godot, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The play centers on two tramps, Estragon and Vladimir, who are waiting at the side of a road for a person called Godot to arrive. As time passes, the two men muse on their friendship, their favorite jokes, and what it all means until their patience begins to wane. Until eventually, they spy something coming toward them on the horizon…

In Charlotte Gwinner’s production, Rawle delivers a stand-out performance as Estragon; his comic timing is second to none, and he manages to bring a lot of natural warmth and empathy to the character. He has a strong rapport with fellow actor Lorcan Cranitch, who plays Vladimir, and it is a joy to watch them work together on stage. Simon Daw’s beautifully simplistic, bleak set, which suggests a desolate future for mankind, is another highlight.

Although the play was premiered in 1953, the themes that it touches upon, such as nihilism and existentialism, are still very much relevant to an audience today. This is definitely a revival worth checking out.

Waiting for Godot is playing at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield until February 27. Book your tickets here.