This much-anticipated, starry production of Samuel Beckett’s famous 1950s play, in which famously nothing happens, finally arrives at the Theatre Royal, after touring at select venues across the country.

Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen play Vladimir and Estragon respectively, a pair of older gentlemen who meet every evening to wait for a mysterious figure, who, they say, is barely an acquaintance, named Godot. They are interrupted by Simon Callow’s Pozzo, dressed head to foot in circus garb, dragging along, with a rope, the ironically named Lucky (Ronald Pickup). And occasionally a young boy rears his head, promising that Godot will be arriving . . . but probably at some point the next evening.

The play has found an ideal home at the Theatre Royal; one of the most opulent West End theatres. It mirrors the play’s self-conscious theatricality perfectly. Its huge, deep stage allows more room for McKellen and Stewart to bounce off each other, both figuratively and literally. The two decide to embrace the dry humour and vaudevillian roots of the piece, and prove to be not just extraordinary comic performers, but also a wonderful double act.

Sean Mathias’s production is not, however, without its pathos. The second half in particular, with its mirroring and repetition of previous events, is taken more slowly, and the rat-a-tat pace slows little for the odd moment of sombre reflection.

McKellen is perhaps more suited to these moments then Stewart; it might be the more dour nature of the character he plays, or it might be the fact he is perhaps a more versatile performer. It could also be that the pair are having too much fun.

Although the play is perhaps an acquired taste (I find it hard-going at times, myself) mostly due to its intentional repetitions and the apparent nonsense the characters tend to spurt, there is much to enjoy here. Although the pairing of McKellen and Stewart does somewhat outshine the play, the two clearly love performing together and it’s something that must be seen. It’s exceptionally enjoyable, and with able support from Callow and Pickup, it’s clearly the theatrical event of the year.