As a spoof on Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, Godot’s To Do List is inspired by the existentialism found in Beckett’s plays, with the impact on modernity and technology on modern society as its core provocation. The play centres on one character who must complete a series of impossible tasks delivered by a looming digitised voice. In a range of creative ways, these tasks must be completed for Godot to leave the liminal space.
In this interview, playwright Leo Simpe-Asante, 19, who is currently studying at drama school, talks about his play’s themes and creative process as well as its performance as an opener to Krapp’s Last Tape and on winning, the Young Playwrights Award in its inaugural year in 2025.
The Royal Court’s Young Playwrights Award is a nationwide scheme that began in 2025, aiming to bridge the gap in the school curriculum for playwriting, firmly rooting the Royal Court’s legacy and mission to support playwriting at all stages. Winning plays will be performed in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs stage in the summer.
“To think that this play – which started as an idea in a drama school text analysis class, and then went on to win the inaugural Young Playwrights Award – is now going on to have a full run in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, is absolutely astounding.” Leo Simpe-Asante
RELATED LINKS
BOOK TICKETS | GODOT’S TO DO LIST
Godot’s To-Do List at the Royal Court By Leo Simpe-Asante 8 May – 30 May 2026
