ONE of the favourite comics in the Cotswolds, Tweedy, is taking on one of his most challenging straight role to date, starring in Samuel Beckett’s iconic play Waiting for Godot.

Presented by The Everyman Theatre Company, this is the first time this classic of 20th century literature has been performed at the Cheltenham theatre.

Opening on Thursday, February 7, Tweedy, who is a regular star of Giffords Circus, will take on the leading role of Estragon. The play also stars Jeremy Stockwell, Mark Roper and Murray Andrews.

Two hungry, battered drifters wait by a dead tree. They might have been here yesterday. And they might well come back tomorrow. Unless Mr Godot arrives first. Which he might, if they’re lucky. Which they don’t tend to be.

Tweedy wanted to play Estragon having being introduced to the play by his clown hero, the American Bill Irwin.

He said: “Comic characters such as Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson, and Max Wall have been in productions of Godot and we’re all really enjoying the physical nature of getting the play from the page to the stage.

“We stick very closely to the script but there will be a few surprises along the way.”

Samuel Beckett’s play is about the struggle for purpose, the power of friendship and the hunt for a pair of decent boots. Fresh and urgent as ever, this new production is directed by resident Creative Director, Paul Milton.

He said: “Godot is our best-known example of a play belonging to the Theatre of the Absurd. Absurdism explores the meaning – if there is one – of life and existence. Absurdism can also mean ‘bizarre and ridiculous behaviour’, hence the casting of Tweedy in the leading role of Estragon.

“We are going to be using Tweedy’s physicality and off-the-wall sense of humour to bring out the absurd elements of Waiting for Godot. Playing opposite him will be Jeremy Stockwell, who comes from a vaudeville family – so between them, we are developing a kind of Laurel and Hardy relationship.”

*See Waiting For Godot at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, from Thursday, February 7-16. Box Office on 01242 572573 or visit everymantheatre.org.uk for tickets.