The Beckett Trilogy at the Coronet Theatre

While perhaps not as well known as his plays, The Beckett Trilogy proves that Beckett’s novels are just as powerful and intriguing and, surprisingly, often similarly suitable for the stage. While there is the occasional moment during the show that seems like it would work better when consumed while reading, much of the writing lends itself to an adaptation that is sure to entertain any enthusiast of Beckett’s theatrical oeuvre.

The project exemplifies a genuinely minimalist effort: director Judy Hegarty Lovett intentionally omitted set design, and the costume could be used in any other Beckett staging. This shifts the entire weight of the performance onto actor Conor Lovett’s shoulders, who performs as the narrator in all novels Molloy, Malone Dies and The Unnamable.

And capable shoulders they are. From the second Lovett enters, he hooks the audience with his presence. Not exactly impressively so – the characters he portrays are much too pitiable for that – but in the sense of a strange intoxication as we dive into the comical and yet pathetic worlds the narratives weave. Lovett’s execution is simply amazing throughout. Gare St Lazare Ireland, comprising the married couple Judy Hegarty Lovett and Conor Lovett, has been performing these Beckett prose adaptations, and it illustrates itself in their expertise.

Beckett wrote each of the three novels as monologues and they feature people who are at their wit’s ends. The stories they tell are chaotic and don’t really follow any clear plot. At many points, the narration breaks down, leaving the speaker to struggle to find words or to remember the point they are making; they remain in agitation. Despite the bleak themes of the loss of the self signalled by the text, Beckett still infuses them with his humorous writing.

The Beckett Trilogy is an excellent example of the lasting power of Beckett’s prose. The production is outstanding, offering itself to endless laughs at Beckett’s dark humour and pity at the characters’ despairing trepidation. At times seemingly flippant and at others moving, it’s a great success all round.

Michael Higgs
Image: Ros Kavanagh

The Beckett Trilogy is at the Coronet Theatre from 20^th until 22^nd June 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.