What links X-Men, Mrs Doubtfire and Godot?
August 2026
In this newsletter we share the link between Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot and The X-Men, Cheaper by the Dozen and Mrs Doubtfire; we interview rock legend and our very own Pozzo, Tim Rogers; and we invite you to join our talented cast as they show their musical prowess at The Bridge Hotel.
Waiting for Godot — existential angst or comedy genius?
What do The X-Men, Cheaper by the Dozen and Mrs Doubtfire have in common? Very simple: Waiting for Godot.
In 2009, the London theatre scene was abuzz as Magneto and Professor X took to the stage in what was to be the theatrical hot ticket of the season. It wasn't a stage adaptation of The X-Men. It was a star-studded revival of Beckett's Waiting for Godot, with Ian McKellen playing Estragon and Patrick Stewart playing Vladimir.
Directed by Sean Mathias, the production played on both the pathos and surreal slapstick of the text and, after a sell-out season in the West End, transferred to Broadway for a record-breaking run.
That wasn't the first time stars had been drawn to the surreal humour and aching poignancy of this play. In 1988, Steve Martin and Robin Williams took on the script under the direction of acclaimed film director Mike Nichols.
Their magnetic chemistry and comedic timing made the tickets so sought after that Steve Martin is reported to have told Jackie Kennedy Onassis she'd be lucky to get a seat. Reportedly, Jackie replied “Oh, I think I'll be alright”.
The Ravens mightn't be able to offer Ian McKellen or Steve Martin, but with our very own Castlemaine talent involved, we couldn't be more excited to share this extraordinary play with our community. Don't do a Jackie Onassis — get your tickets now!
Q&A with Tim Rogers
penny ryan photography
Best known as the frontman of You Am I, Tim Rogers has also worked extensively across theatre, film and television. His stage credits include Woyzeck at Malthouse Theatre and The Story of Mary MacLane by Herself at Griffin and Malthouse. His screen credits include Holy Smoke!, Dirty Deeds, MDA, The Boy Castaways and Tracks. He plays Pozzo in Waiting for Godot.
What interested you in Waiting for Godot?
To be part of an emerging theatre company with a friend I trusted, and the delight to be asked to audition. Intimidation came later. It was pure enthusiasm and intrigue at the outset.
What will audiences get out of seeing this play?
Befuddlement, amusement, some deep reflection and possibly a choc top.
What have been the most exciting discoveries?
Acting chops of the cast without the attendant bragadaccio of ones with such chops. Chops no frills! Delish!
What have you learnt about yourself during the process?
I have so much to learn….
Why should audiences come and see Waiting for Godot?
It's a difficult play, but elementally rich if you can let yourself fall into Beckett's universe. I'm walking around with a bemused smile on my dial ever since Day One of rehearsals. I wish all that same joy.
Oh My Godot — fundraiser
Our cast are a somewhat musical bunch, and they thought it might be a bit unfair if they couldn't play at least one gig together.
To help raise money for the company, they took over the Bridge Hotel in Castlemaine on Friday 21 August — a solo set from Tim Rogers, on his lonesome, followed by a full band featuring Tim, Gus Read-Hill, Tim Heath and Luke Lennox, with Michael “Fabio” Vickers on the tubs.
If you are interested in supporting The Ravens as a donor or sponsor, please get in touch.
We got merch!
Tote bags — $30. Printed by local legends Oni Streetwear in Hargreaves St, with two designs to choose from. Sturdy, with an internal pocket. Postage or local pick up.
Ravens pin — $8. Put a bird on it! Make those winter coats sing (or croak). Postage or local pick up.
Message us via our contact page with your order.
Want more behind the scenes and updates? Come and be a part of The Conspiracy by following us on socials:
Donate
Donate to The Ravens Theatre Company and receive a tax-deductible receipt.
From Castlemaine, with love —
The Ravens