Famously, ‘Godot’ is a play in which nothing happens twice, but happily there’s much more going on here. Opening with a largely silent clowning sequence, the main theme is amusingly established in pastiche Beckett style. But we don’t have to wait long for the main substance, a spoof court scene in which the author’s (entirely real) opposition to women performing his two famous tramps is set against the performers’ claimed rights to do so. It’s skilled, fast-paced and very funny, presenting the political and artistic issues deftly and clearly. Beyond this central scene this winningly contrived show continues to develop and surprise, it’s a true delight worth waiting for as it continues to tour into the autumn.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 27 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Alan Cranston]