Krapps Last Tape

Krapps Last Tape

Krapp’s Last Tape

The Duchess Theatre continues its 2010 season with “Krapp’s Last Tape” from September, following the production’s acclaimed and much-talked-about run at the Gate Theatre in Dublin earlier in the year. It will be a chance for audiences to once again witness the performing talent that is Michael Gambon as he takes on the title role of Krapp, with the Artistic Director of the Gate Theatre in Dublin Michael Colgan making the transition to the West End.

Samuel Beckett’s famous single-act 1958 play is a moving portrayal of a man exploring his past and is a part of a long line of plays penned by the Irish writer. Amongst his other work is the 1957 play “Endgame” – another show that featured Michael Gambon when it was staged at the Albery Theatre in 2004. Beckett’s other works include “Waiting for Godot”, “Come and Go” and “Breath”.

But with “Krapp’s Last Tape”, audiences will witness Gambon take to the stage as the show’s single character. Krapp is an inward looking man who has embarked on an annual birthday tradition for many years – to sit and record his experiences from the last year onto tape. After such a long time he has accumulated a lot of memories and we catch up with him on his 69th birthday as he begins this tradition once again. But this year is different and Krapp decides to listen back to his memories of previous years, only to stumble onto an important and moving recording from many years in his past. It is enough to stir his emotions as he begins to question and regret his position in the modern day and whether he is leading the life he should be.

When the show first appeared at the Gate Theatre it received widespread praise, particularly for the performance of the legendary actor Michael Gambon. It was the latest in a long line of shows at the Dublin venue for the star, following the likes of “No Man’s Land”, “Eh Joe” and a celebration of the work of Harold Pinter. Over a long career, Gambon has appeared in a wide range of productions that range from shows at the National Theatre and the West End to further venues across the county. For most audiences, however, he is perhaps best known for his role as Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” movies, or other screen appearances like “Sleepy Hollow” and TV’s “The Singing Detective”.

Krapp’s Last Tape appears at the Duchess Theatre from Wednesday 15th September 2010 to Saturday 20th November 2010. It follows “The Secret of Sherlock Holmes” and precedes “Love Story”.