The Dumb Waiter
By Harold Pinter
By Harold Pinter
The Dumb Waiter is Pinter’s second play. A one act play heavily influenced by Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, it revolves around two would-be assassins waiting to learn what their next assignment will be. These men, Ben and Gus, are polar opposites: Ben takes orders as they come without question, while Gus nervously awaits new assignments by peppering Ben with myriad questions. Ben is content with his living arrangement, while Gus itches to get out in the world and do something more substantive. As Ben and Gus await their newest assignment by debating odd topics and reading the newspaper, mysterious happenings occur. Some unknown person keeps sending down random food orders through a dumb waiter, while their unseen boss Wilson keeps changing their instructions. The final showdown occurs not between the two assassins and their victim, but between Ben the assassin and Gus, who has been designated as the next victim. Told through Pinter’s distinctive wit and poignant pauses, The Dumb Waiter is one of Pinter’s most acclaimed earlier works.
Source: Stageagent |
The Competition
On 28th February 2020 we took The Dumb Waiter to Regionals at the Nairn Little Theatre, the first round of the SCDA. We were one of five productions from four different theatre groups to compete in this round, with a high standard of theatre displayed over the two nights.
After an overwhelmingly positive assessment by the adjudicator, we were awarded the Marion MacKenzie Award for Stage Presentation, and overall 2nd Place Trophy, putting us through to the Divisionals in Thurso on 27th March 2020. Unfortunately, due to the increasing threat of COVID-19 leading up to this time, it was decided that the Divisional and Final rounds of the SCDA would be cancelled. Our team were disappointed to have their Dumb Waiter journey cut short, however completely understood and respected the decision made. |
Acknowledgements
The Florians Theatre; Nairn Little Theatre; Steven Kelly; Claire Cameron; Sasha Devine; Nicola Gray; John Batty; Louise Blackmore; Heather Davidson; David Russell; Stacey Newlands; Fiona Grant
The Florians Theatre; Nairn Little Theatre; Steven Kelly; Claire Cameron; Sasha Devine; Nicola Gray; John Batty; Louise Blackmore; Heather Davidson; David Russell; Stacey Newlands; Fiona Grant
The Dumb Waiter Audience Feedback
"So enjoyed the Flos production tonight. Will be interested to hear what Adjudicator had to say in your private session with him. Will be watching out for result tomorrow. Well done all involved tonight. A happy proud Flo wifie tonight!!!"
"Good luck guys. Enjoy tonight. Harold would be proud I'm sure 😉 Enjoy the experience"
"You were so so good. Congratulations so well deserved. Thurso next...onwards and upwards to the north!!"
"Good luck guys. Enjoy tonight. Harold would be proud I'm sure 😉 Enjoy the experience"
"You were so so good. Congratulations so well deserved. Thurso next...onwards and upwards to the north!!"
The Dumb Waiter Gallery
Photographs by Alison Ożóg