Lucian Msamati's Diary: The Electrifying First Night of Waiting for Godot
In an exclusive diary extract, Lucian Msamati, star of Gangs of London, recounts the intense moments leading up to and during the first preview of Samuel Beckett's masterpiece, Waiting for Godot, at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London. Returning to the stage after a five-year absence, Msamati performed alongside Ben Whishaw in this highly anticipated 2024 production, capturing the raw emotions of a theatrical comeback.
The Pre-Show Adrenaline Rush
Msamati describes stepping into the wings, where the hum of a packed, expectant audience immediately sets the tone. He encounters Ben Whishaw backstage, noting how different his co-star looks in full costume. They share a hug, synchronising their breathing as adrenaline pumps through them. Msamati reflects on this pre-show excitement as a sexy, knowing thrill, distinct from fear, yet acknowledges the impending split second of sheer terror when the point of no return is crossed.
He feels the giddy heat emanating from the crowd, even from behind the curtain, and remarks on how quickly his body remembers the sensations of live performance after years away. With the whole team poised and ready, Msamati and Whishaw hold hands in the dark, awaiting the call from deputy stage manager Sophie Rubenstein. When it comes, terror surges, and they step onto the platform, marking the beginning of the performance.
Onstage Triumphs and Unexpected Laughs
As the curtain rises, Msamati and Whishaw deliver their opening lines with the precision of seasoned professionals, feeling the cold sweat of adrenaline. The audience roars with energy, but Msamati is caught off guard by an unexpected laugh at a line he never considered particularly funny. He autocorrects seamlessly, showcasing the instinctive stage technique that kicks in during such moments.
The entrance of Jonathan Slinger as Pozzo and Tom Edden as Lucky brings reinforcements, with the crowd becoming hysterical. Msamati praises Slinger's calm, effortless vocal mastery and Edden's genius in delivering Lucky's speech as if it were newly minted. He notes how Edden holds a moment after Whishaw wrenches off Lucky's hat, eliciting wild applause twice, and admits to breaking character briefly to enjoy his colleagues' brilliance.
The Emotional Curtain Call and Aftermath
The play concludes to a standing ovation, with Msamati glimpsing a diverse audience united in their appreciation. After the final bow, the cast falls into an elated-exhausted group hug, during which Msamati bursts into tears that vanish as quickly as they came. This experience, he implies, reaffirms his love for the stage, blending newness with familiarity in a powerful theatrical moment.
This edited extract is from The Godot Diaries: Behind the Scenes of Beckett's Play by Lucian Msamati, published by Methuen Drama, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of theatre's most iconic works.
