It is perhaps precisely the "water under the bridge" element coupled with the ingeniously untethered nature of Beckett's play though, that provides McGovern and the others with inspiration. The key members of this production have twenty years under their belts since it began. The experiences gained and the subtle changes brought upon with age allow for a reappraisal of the great play. It is after all a play about "the nature of existence, the nature of being alive" says McGovern. "I suppose we change with life, so I suppose imperceptably the play changes."

On the face of it, it seems surprising that a work with such weighty themes would prompt such enthusiasm in the general public, seven of the forty nights are already sold out, including our night in the Everymman. Yet the play is such a well balanced and self-contained work, the publication of Godot makes for a great read in itself.

A linguistic work of art that highlights the shortcomings of language and a dark and pessimistic gripe at mortality that is at times almost slapstick, at times blackly funny. In short, the play is indefinable and thus it's mystery continues to fascinate those whose paths it has crossed.

McGovern understands the difficulty that familiarity throws up in the performing of Godot and has unwittingly been daubed 'the Beckett fella' perhaps to his consternation, yet he is fully aware of the uniquness and privilage of being on this tour.

The tour, which he semi-jokingly likens to a rock band tour. "There will be an improvisationary sense to each night, in that the venues, the lighting, the acoustics of the hall, the audience, the whole thing will change."

The recent refurbishment of the Everyman includes some improvements of the stage technical equipment along with the seats, of course and they couldn't have asked for bigger or better than Godot to show off to the full house.

Buttocks will undoubtledly be firmly entrenched in the generous new sponge this coming September 15, and the overall experience should be an amazing one.

The tour is "one night only" of course but Cork will get another date, as the play also stops by Skibereen on the following Tuesday, September 16. It will be lucky folks indeed who have tickets to either of these nights to see, perhaps not the definitive version but the best version of Beckett's masterpiece.

The sold-out performance of Waiting for Godot is at the Everyman Palace Theatre on September 15. For more details on the new season of events, contact the box office on 021 450 1673 or log onto www.everymanpalace.com.

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