Son of Eastenders’ Ian Beale in powerful play in Warwick

Current and former Warwick School pupils Sam Woodyatt (whose father plays Ian Beale, the longest-serving and only original character in the BBC soap opera), Bailey Fear, Peter Borsada, Christian Leith and Harry Benfield are performing Samuel Beckett’s black comedy Waiting For Godot at the Bridge House Theatre for three nights from tonight.

Often considered to be one of the finest and most important plays of the 20th century, the play focuses upon the human struggle to find happiness and peace through the most difficult of circumstances.

The two protagonists, Vladimir and Estragon, wait endlessly and in vain for the arrival of somone named Godot. Godot’s absence, as well as numerous other aspects of the play, have led to many different interpretations since the play’s 1953 premiere - and there are religious, philosophical, classical, psychoanalytical and biographical, particularly wartime, references in the text.

The production’s director and former Warwick School pupil Anil Singh Matoo felt that, given the play’s themes, it would be appropriate to donate all proceeds from performances to the Warwick-based Myton Hospices, which provides care and support for the terminally ill.

Performances take place tonight (September 4), tomorrow and on Saturday at 7.30pm, with an additional matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £8.50 or £5 concessions. To book, call 776438, visit the theatre in Myton Road or buy tickets online at bridgehousetheatre.co.uk/diary/waiting-for-godot