When we’d suggested doing it, the Theatre Royal management had said, ‘Nobody wants to see Waiting for Godot.’ As it happened, every single ticket was booked for every single performance, and this confirmation that our judgment was right was sweet. Audiences came to us from all over the world. It was amazing.

Ian Mckellen

The Quote in Other Words

The management of Theatre Royal initially rejected our proposal to stage Waiting for Godot, claiming that it would not attract an audience. However, to our delight, every performance was sold out, with people from all over the world attending. This was a satisfying confirmation that our decision was correct.

Explanation of the Quote

This quote highlights the power of trusting your own judgment and taking risks. The Theatre Royal management initially dismissed the idea of staging Waiting for Godot, but the success of the play proved them wrong. This demonstrates that sometimes, the conventional wisdom or popular opinion may not always be correct. It takes courage to go against the grain and pursue something that others may not believe in, but the rewards can be significant.

Furthermore, the quote also emphasizes the universal appeal of the arts. Despite the initial skepticism of the Theatre Royal management, audiences from all over the world flocked to see the play. This speaks to the ability of art to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers and connect with people on a deeper level. It also highlights the importance of taking risks and pushing boundaries in the arts, as this can lead to new and exciting experiences for both artists and audiences alike.