Gary Oldman in Beckett’s Haunting Masterpiece
Krapp’s Last Tape –Samuel Beckett’s poignant reflection on memory, regret, and the passing of time – a remarkable new production starring and directed by Academy Award-winner Gary Oldman (Slow Horses, Darkest Hour).
Following its acclaimed run at York Theatre Royal, this Royal Court Theatre and York Theatre Royal co-production played 8–30 May 2026 in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs. Don’t miss the chance to witness one of Britain’s greatest actors return to the stage where Krapp’s Last Tape premiered in 1958.
Opening each evening is Godot’s To-Do List, a new Beckett-inspired short play by Leo Simpe-Asante, winner of the 2025 Royal Court Young Playwrights Award — a witty and inventive curtain-raiser that sets the tone for Beckett’s introspective masterpiece.
Why You Should See It
- Gary Oldman returns to the London stage in one of Beckett’s most intimate and revealing works.
- A powerful revival of a 20th-century classic, directed and performed by one of Britain’s greatest living actors.
- Includes a brand-new curtain-raiser, Godot’s To-Do List, from an exciting new playwright.
More about Gary Oldman
British screen and stage legend Gary Oldman returns to the London stage in a new production of Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape.
Renowned for Darkest Hour, Mank and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, as well as iconic roles in Harry Potter, Batman and Slow Horses, Oldman brings his trademark depth and precision to Beckett’s haunting one-man play — a rare chance to see one of Britain’s greatest actors live on stage.
There’s no current news about whether Krapp’s Last Tape will transfer into the West End, but check back for updates or sign-up for alerts.
Each year, on his birthday, Krapp records a new tape reflecting on the year gone by.
On his 69th birthday, Krapp, now a lonely man, is ready with a bottle of wine, a banana and his tape recorder. Listening back to a recording he made as a young man, Krapp must face the hopes of his past self.
Photos
Stars and Creatives
Who is in the cast of Krapp's Last Tape?
Starring Gary Oldman
Who are the creative team of Krapp's Last Tape?
- Written by Samuel Beckett
- Directed, Designed and Performed by Gary Oldman
- Lighting Design by Malcolm Rippeth
- Costume Design by Guy Speranza
- Sound design by Tom Smith
- By Arrangement with Doug Urbanski
Important Notes
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AppleCritics' reviews of Krapp's Last Tape
★★★★ "Gary Oldman’s arresting one-man Beckett is a startling piece of theatre" - The Guardian
★★★★ "Gary Oldman brings deft humour and mesmerising stillness to Krapp’s Last Tape" - The Financial Times
★★★★ "Gary Oldman is a devastatingly stoic Krapp in his own production of the Beckett classic" - The Stage
★★★★ "A perfect foil for the dishevelment of Oldman’s other rueful old git, Jackson Lamb" - Daily Mail
Frequently Asked Questions
News about Krapp's Last Tape
Gary Oldman to star in Krapp’s Last Tape in London
Reviews of Gary Oldman in Krapp’s Last Tape at York Theatre Royal
First-look: Gary Oldman in Krapp’s Last Tape at York Theatre Royal
Gary Oldman to star in Krapp’s Last Tape at York Theatre Royal
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