Director Sean Mathias' production of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot is superb.

One of the greatest actors in the English world, Sir Ian McKellan (Lord of the Rings' Gandalf for those less thespian) takes the lead as Estragon, while Roger Rees, another highly accomplished British actor, plays Vladimir.

Both performances are marvellous. They play the tramps with a touch of vaudeville lightness but as the play moves through its absurdist circles, their Chaplinesque routines fizzle out as they try to pass the time, try to hang themselves, try to leave.

Pozzo (Matthew Kelly) and Lucky (Brendan O'Hea) are performed to perfection too. Bound to each other, their interactions laced with dependent cruelty are uncomfortably familiar.

The performance is funny and poignant, perfectly paced and kept me gripped for the two hours it took for all four characters to wait and wait. It is rare to see acting like this. It is a complex, poignant play brought perfectly to life.

Unfortunately, tickets are sold out, but if you haven't been to The Fugard Theatre yet (in Caledon Street in town), then rectify the situation as there are other exciting plays on the theatre's programme.

The theatre, which is over the road from Cape Town's main cop shop, Caledon Square, just down the road from the Book Lounge, is entirely charming.

For more information phone 021-461-4554 or visit www.thefugard.com