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Endgame by Emily Koch |
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Endgame review by Emily Koch The Albery Theatre, London Monday, April 5, 2004 Beckett’s dark comedy is brilliantly realised by Matthew Warchus’ direction and Rob Howell’s dingy set, but overshadowing even these are Michael Gambon’s fierce yet pathetic blinded Hamm in a tight double act with Lee Evans’ unexpectedly convincing embodiment of an endearing and comical Clov. Equally good performances are given by Liz Smith and Geoffrey Hutchings, playing Hamm’s parents who occasionally appear for some peculiar and nostalgic interchange from the bins in which they dwell on stage. With comedian Lee Evans in the production, it is perhaps predictable that Beckett’s black humour has been greatly emphasised, and some audience members may object. However in a play heavy with despair, that questions whether life has any meaning at all, riddled with repetitions such as the plaintive “is it not time for my pain-killer?” mirroring the depressing mundanity of modern life, the sardonic humour provides a necessary trace of optimism and in order to be distinguishable needs to be accentuated as it is in this production. Endgame’s pathos nearly made me cry, but thankfully I laughed more often than I welled up, and was able to leave this stimulating production with the belief that there is some hope despite the absurdity of our existence. © Emily Koch
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