This show has concluded its current run
Endgame by Samuel Beckett Starring Richard Briers Directed by Simon McBurney, the cast includes Richard Briers (Hamm), Adrian Scarborough (Clov to 18th October, then Simon McBurney takes over the role), Miriam Margolyes (Nell). The role of Nagg will be announced shortly. Richard Briers says: “I saw Endgame 50 years ago with George Devine in the role of Hamm, and said to my wife that this was a role I wanted to play - she pointed out that I was perhaps a little young for it at the time! I now feel the time has come to have a crack at it, in what will be my last role on the stage, and I couldn’t be in better company,” Richard Briers said today. Endgame, is a one-act play with four characters. It was originally written in French, entitled Fin de partie. Beckett himself translated it into English. The play was first performed in a French-language production at the Royal Court Theatre in London, opening on 3rd April 1957. It is commonly considered, along with such works as Waiting for Godot, to be among Beckett's most important works. The setting for Endgame is a bare room, serving as shelter for the four characters. They exist in a tiny house by the sea, although the dialogue suggests that there is nothing left outside; no sea, no sun, no clouds. Hamm the master, Clov his servant, and Hamm's father and mother, Nagg and Nell (who live in garbage cans). Hamm is in a wheelchair and makes Clov move him around the room, fetch objects, and look out of the window for signs of life. Outside all seems dead and nothing happens. Inside, the characters pass the time mortifying each other and toying with fears and illusions of a possible change, all along sensing the inevitability of their end. The English title is taken from the last part of a chess game, when there are very few pieces left. |
Endgame Show Information Showing From: 24th September, 2009 Currently Showing To: 5th December, 2009 Matinees: TBC Evenings: TBC Running Time: TBC Duchess Theatre Information Duchess Theatre Seating Plan |
Duchess Theatre Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5LA CLICK HERE FOR ON-LINE STREETMAP Nearest Underground: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) Bus Routes: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 77A, 91, 176 Nearest Rail: Charing Cross |
Duchess Theatre Directions: Take the Piccadilly Line to Covent Garden and exit into the piazza. The theatre is approximately 10 minutes walk. Disabled toilets Air-conditioned Wheelchair access Infra Red |
