Blue Bridge Theatre’s production of Waiting for Godot, did what it was meant to – left audiences wondering.
Samuel Beckett’s tragicomedy drops the audience into the lives of two bedraggled men brought to light expertly by Peter Anderson (Vladimir/Didi) and Brian Linds (Estragon/Gogo) who wait by a tree in a desolate spot for Godot.
Beckett never lets us in on the who, what or why of their wait, leaving it up to our imagining.
As they wait, they bicker and talk. We share their hope, anticipation, boredom and watch with them as the horror of the brightly clad Pozzo – played with age-defying gusto and enthusiasm by veteran actor Scott Hylands – and his slave Lucky – played by Trevor Hinton, who (aided by a filth streaked long john as costume) lays his humanity down, drools, stumbles and prostrates himself to his master – consume the stage.
Throw in one 11-year-old, Kai Merriam (Boy) who helps move the play from night to day and day to night, promising the men Godot will come, and the viewer is immersed in the character’s struggle to wait in blind faith.
The oppressive presence of Pozzo and Lucky is countered by Gogo and Didi’s Laurel and Hardy-esque moments including a scene of bowler hat swapping that set the audience into a fit of giggles.
Directed by award winning Atomic Vaudeville co-founder and core member of Blue Bridge, Jacob Richmond, the production is a moving mix of pathos and vaudeville.
UVic Phoenix Theatre grad Hinton is a standout with his portrayal of Pozzo’s loyal slave.
Tickets for Waiting for Godot (on to March 15) can be purchased at Ticket Rocket by phone at 250-590-6291, online at www.ticketrocket.org or in person at #2-1609 Blanshard St. (at Fisgard). $20 student tickets are available at the door.