Waiting for Godot is often mocked as a play about nothing but it is also one of the biggest challenges for any actor which is why Patrick Robinson has picked up the gauntlet.
He has hot footed it from a hit West End production of ‘War Horse’ to play Estragon hanging around for the ever elusive Godot in Ian Brown’s last act as Artistic Director of West Yorkshire Playhouse.
“Waiting for Godot is tricky and it’s a lot of work because it is a text full of surprises,” says Patrick in a break from rehearsals.
“There’s plenty of symbolism and it’s got everything going on in this piece so it’s a real challenge. It’s a classic and it’s really got something that people can relate to, not just for the audience but for the actors too.”
Legendary Trinidadian stage star Jeffrey Kissoon plays his sparring partner Vladimir as they argue and laugh on the lonely road with a single tree in this co-production with Britain’s foremost Black-led theatre company, Talawa.
The pre-publicity makes much of this being the first time an all-British Black cast has tackled Godot. But for Patrick that UK first is not all that relevant.
“We’re just actors playing a role in a piece that is pretty good so that’s how we all see it. It doesn’t have the bearing you may think people could focus on. We’re all black actors so it is for the audience to take on board whatever they’re going to take on board.
“There was an all black cast that did Godot in the US, and I think it was the director who mentioned that: ‘the brothers are very in tune with having to wait.’ The irony of that is taken on board, so it has everything in it to make people think just a bit more.
“I’ve known of Jeffrey Kissoon since I’ve been an actor and I’ve seen bits and pieces of his work over the years so it’s great to work with someone you’ve admired.
Godot is a play that has baffled critics and audiences for decades so has Patrick the faintest idea what it is all about?
“All I can say is yes, and yes, I have some ideas,” he laughs.
“ You do your bottom line research and Samuel Beckett said I wrote it, don’t ask me what it is about, it’s up to you, the works are there and experience your own experience.
“So with all of the different viewpoints on what it means it is whatever you make of it. I think it has a resonance and relevance so everyone can find something important and profound in Waiting for Godot.”
This is Patrick’s third stint treading at the boards at the Playhouse including his acclaimed run in slavery drama Rough Crossings half a decade ago.
“The Playhouse has always been a very positive place for me, and the people here are great so it’s a real plus to be back in Leeds.”
- Evening performances: Fri 3 February – Saturday 25 February. Tickets: £17- 27 (Concs available). A limited number of free tickets are available to under 26s Monday – Thursday.
- Tickets can be reserved by calling West Yorkshire Playhouse Box Office on 0113 213 7700 or by visiting www.wyp.org.uk