Following the spectacular success of its inaugural production, The Seagull, The Ravens Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its second production: Samuel Beckett’s theatrical masterpiece, Waiting for Godot.
The Seagull became a remarkable hit, selling more than 1,800 tickets and playing to sold-out audiences in Castlemaine – an astounding achievement for the first production by a new regional theatre company.
Now The Ravens returns to the Phee Broadway Theatre in September 2026, with one of the most significant and enduring plays of the 20th century.
Directed by acclaimed director Janice Muller, Waiting for Godot stars Tim Heath and his childhood friend, Gus Read-Hill, Luke Lennox, with legendary Australian musician, actor and writer Tim Rogers appearing as Pozzo.
Two men wait beside a tree for the mysterious Godot. As they pass the time, they talk, argue, remember, forget, contemplate leaving – and remain exactly where they are.
First performed in the 1950s, Waiting for Godot has fascinated, challenged and delighted audiences around the world for more than 70 years. Beckett described the play as a tragicomedy, but it ultimately resists easy definition.
At once deeply philosophical, moving and wonderfully funny, Waiting for Godot explores companionship, uncertainty, hope and the absurdity of waiting. It asks some of life’s biggest questions without offering any simple answers -– and remains as startlingly relevant today as when it was first performed.
Director Janice Muller said she was excited to bring such an extraordinary work to audiences in her own community.
“Waiting for Godot is a classic for a reason: it’s challenging, funny, moving and enigmatic all at once. I’m excited to be working in my own community with this wonderful cast and the wonderful team at The Ravens Theatre Company, who are passionate about making great theatre and bringing the classics to Castlemaine,” Muller said.
“The calibre of creative talent living in central Victoria is extraordinary; from directors and actors to designers, technicians and other theatre-makers,” said Shelley Krape, co-founder of The Ravens Theatre Company and co-producer of Waiting for Godot.
“Until now, there have been very few opportunities for experienced theatre artists to work professionally in the region. We’re proud that The Ravens can offer these artists the opportunity to work at this level in their own community, rather than having to travel to a capital city to practise their craft.” Krape added.
Co-founder and co-producer Tim Heath said the production held particular personal meaning for him.
“Gus and I have been friends since we were kids, and we grew up listening to You Am I together. To now be performing alongside Gus and Tim Rogers – who is also a local – in a play that wrestles with such profound existential questions feels incredibly special. I’ve long admired Tim as an artist, and the opportunity to work with him on this extraordinary play is enormously exciting.”
Tickets: events.humanitix.com/waiting-for-godot-by-the-ravens-theatre-company