By Ian Diddams
Images by Playing Up Theatre Company
Samuel Beckett’s existential work is performed in the round this week in Bath’s Mission Theatre, by the Playing Up Theatre Company…..
“Give them enough rope and they’ll hang themselves” …. Beckett’s rope is superbly used by the company to great aplomb as it happens. Gogo (Matt Nation) and Didi (Darian Nelson), have no rope to do so whilst wanting to, while Lucky (Sam Fynn) and Pozzo (Jack Strawbridge) do have rope but no suicidal tendencies. Godot naturally never appears although his messenger (Scarlett Nation) delivers his tardy apologies.
These five perform on a traditionally sparse set, with cunning use of lighting for the tree, accompanied by two large rocks and two entrances to frame the action. Heavy winter clothing sets the season. Sophie Brookes’ direction does the rest, ably supported by Richard Chivers’ tech.
“Godot” is fundamentally a five-person, two-hour “monologue”. It’s word heavy, with little flow – “Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes”. It has challenging scenes of slavery and abuse. Large parts of it are difficult to fathom. But the company provides a phenomenally slick production that avoids turgidity. This is community theatre at its very finest – professional qualities abounding. All characterisation is stunning, the gibbering loon of Lucky especially – disturbingly – so.
“Godot” ran until Saturday 13th May. The only question you needed to ask is “Shall we go?”. But now like our eponymous heroes… don’t move…
Future productions at the Mission Theatre, Bath, Here.
Trending….
Shindig Festival Announces Bob Vylan as Headliner
The celebrated Shindig Festival at Malmesbury’s Charton Park announced their headline act for May bank holiday 2026, and being that it’s Bob Vylan, it is…
Help DOCA Raise Funds….by Drinking Booze! Winter of Festive Ales Returns
Now, you know when you see a fundraising advert and think, I’d like to raise some wonga for this or that cause, but further reading…
Devizes Acting Company to Debut New Show at Edinburgh Fringe 2026
A gameshow unlike any other is set to take local actors to the world stage. The Wharf Theatre is proud to present the debut of…
Thieves Plan Unplugged Gig at Brokerswood
We don’t like many thieves here at Devizine, but we do love Thieves the band! Well, those Thieves have an interesting next gig it’s worthwhile…
Rowdefest 26 Lineup Reveal!
Drizzly Sunday…again. I’ve just finished designing the poster, so allow me to reveal the lineup for Rowdefest this coming May, might cheer us up a…
Breaking News in Rowde: Wiltshire Road Gets Resurfaced!
Are you sitting down, as this may come as a shock? Residents of the Springfield Road estate in Rowde should be feeling rather privileged at…
Chippenham’s New Venue, The Ruze Opens with The Showhawk Duo
It could be bigger than Diggers! See what I did there? Okay, you youngsters might need Google, but while you’re researching Chippenham’s hedonistic past, a…
Things to do in Devizes for February….
Yay! We made it to Feb, in one piece, just! I might even be persuaded to break out of hibernation. If you’ve been hibernating too,…
People Living in Devizes Could be Moving to Devizes!
Do you live in Devizes? Are you sure? Sure sure? Sure sure sure?! You could actually be living under the oppressive regime of Bishop’s Cannings…
Agricultural Appropriation with Monkey Bizzle
There’s no sophomore slump for Monkey Bizzle; prolific in their art, these rural chav-choppers return with a second album, Agricultural Appropriation, only five years and…
devizine.com 