What I liked
This is subtle, clever, funny work and redefines the idea of simply reviving a classic play. We watched Waiting for Godot unfold before us, not sure what exactly was expected from us, the audience. Ever so slyly, things began to appear. Moments began to be emphasized by the cast. We looked at each other and thought… what’s next? This really was an escape room with things to do and riddles to unravel. While the play was happening!
In the play, actions are questioned and the purpose of doing certain things may seem meaningless OR may lead to the answer you seek. Well, hearing the Beckett dialogue spoken as we, the audience, are struggling to examine our own actions from moment to moment – this became an existential crisis of our own making! Incredibly smart, the creators manage to put the audience into an environment that completely reflects the themes of the play – and is a blast! Building to a final moment that is both touching and poetically beautiful in some strange way, the entire audience was left grinning with satisfaction.
What I didn't like
For me, this piece works perfectly as is. Some audeince members seemed unfamiliar with escape room “ideas” and I wonder if a little more instruction at the beginning would have helped them out… but for me, I think confusion is an integral part of this experience and enhances it!
My overall impression
Potentially the most joyfully odd concept at this year’s Fringe festival is part revival of the classic Beckett existential romp Waiting for Godot and part escape room. The cast led us on a truly fun and bizarre journey. It’s wonderfully weird.
Absolute fun for the small audience, this interactive piece had me laughing out loud as the audience joined together to figure out what we were supposed to be doing. The audience plays an active roll in making sure the show keeps moving for. It’s clever and fun!
Because this is actually an escape game that is played out by the audience as the play is performed, I am going to remain light on details.
