Waiting for Godot

Explore the meaning of life and the absurdity of existence in Waiting for Godot, showing for a strictly limited season at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Follow Vladmir and Estragon, a contrasting duo, as they wait by a tree for a man named Godot. Neither of them knows who this mysterious man is, why they are meeting him or what time he will arrive - they only know that something incredible could happen when he does…

What is Waiting for Godot about?

This September, see the revival of one of the greatest plays of the 20th century, a masterpiece by Noble Prize-winning playwright Samuel Beckett.

Waiting for Godot focuses on the colourful conversations between Vladmir and Estragon as they await the arrival of Godot, a man neither of them knows the purpose of or when he will arrive.

Taking on several key themes, including the absurdity or meaninglessness of life, expect to be absorbed into witty humour, theatrical entertainment and humorous surreal conversations.

As Vladmir and Estragon perform mundane tasks to pass the time and discuss a wide array of topics from the trivial to the serious, they encounter three other characters who compound their experience of nothingness.

Godot keeps sending messages that he’s on the way, but will he ever turn up?

The London cast

Over the years, Waiting for Godot has been staged by numerous theatre companies around the world, with the original production premiering in Paris in 1953, each offering their own interpretation of Beckett's enigmatic masterpiece.

Waiting for Godot returns to the West End in September 2024 in a new revival starring acclaimed film, TV and stage actors Lucian Msamati (Death in Paradise, Gangs of London and See How They Run) as Estragon and Ben Whishaw (Hamlet, Skyfall and Spectre) as Vladmir.

Samuel Beckett's masterpiece is staged by multi award-winning director James Macdonald (Infinite Life, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf?).

How to get tickets for Waiting for Godot

Book tickets to see Waiting for Godot online with Visit London.

Check out the seating plan to pick where to sit to watch this strictly limited season. Ticket prices can be seen when viewing the seating map.

The play is currently scheduled to run until 14 December 2024.

How long is the play?

The running time for Waiting for Godot is yet to be confirmed. Previous productions have been around two hours.

What time is the evening show?

Evening performances are scheduled to take place Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm.

When are the matinees taking place?

The matinees for Waiting for Godot are scheduled to take place Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm, with the first matinee from 21 September.

Where is Waiting for Godot playing?

Waiting for Godot is confirmed to show at Theatre Royal Haymarket on Suffolk Street in the City of Westminster.

How to get there:

• Tube - The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines). Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and Leicester Square (Piccadilly Circus and Northern lines) are also nearby.
• Bus - The following bus routes stop at Trafalgar Square, near the theatre: 13, 15, 23, 88, 139, 453.
• Cycle - Hire a Santander Cycles bike and head to Charles II Street, where you’ll find a docking station a few minutes’ walk away from the theatre.

Is there an age restriction?

Waiting for Godot is recommended for anyone aged 12 and over.

What other plays can I see in London?

Try to solve the thrilling murder mystery as the plot unfolds in The Mousetrap, laugh along as actors battle with props flying off the stage in the hilarious comedy production of The Play That Goes Wrong or experience the magical adaptation of the beloved Studio Ghibli anime, My Neighbour Totoro.

Check out more plays in London to see.