Waiting for Godot review: ‘I defy anyone not to see themselves on this stage’

One black, one white; one round, the other thin; one pessimist relying on the other’s optimism to make it through another day; I defy anyone not to see themselves on this stage.

Rae Smith’s design is of an ashen earth populated by a petrified tree that turns out to be miraculously alive, and also by random passersby Pozzo (Jonathan Slinger), a heartless landowner and his gormless then unstoppably articulate slave Lucky (Tom Edden).

The acting is superb. Next to Msamati’s weary Estragon Whishaw’s mesmerising Vladimir is a hummingbird of hope, denial and ultimately acceptance. Perhaps Estragon might have varied his response to the regular reminder that they are waiting for the mysterious Godot. But any evening that not only makes us laugh but reminds us that our mothers gave birth astride the grave is essential.