Note: This review is from the 2012 Fringe

Theatre / 50 min / £30 / £20 / £16 / £10

Showing @ Royal Lyceum Theatre, 11-14 Aug @ 20.00

In a truly masterful performance, Barry McGovern brings to life selections from the novel Samuel Beckett carried with him throughout his time in the French resistance and on the run from the Gestapo – a work which sowed the seeds for the unique plays and books he was to give the world. As an early work it still shows the influence of friend and mentor James Joyce, but the elements which were to become uniquely Beckett’s are clearly in evidence as McGovern applies his fine voice and performance skills to the wonderful language. This is storytelling of the truest kind with McGovern peopling the stage with the author’s rich words, often hilarious characters, and although not considered one of Beckett’s masterworks, McGovern makes it a fascinating glimpse into the development of genius.

Showing as part of the Edinburgh International Festival 2012.