Oscar-Winning Actor Gary Oldman to Perform One-Man Show at York Theatre Royal

16 Oct

Gary Oldman, the Academy Award-winning actor, is set to return to his theatrical roots with a one-man performance of Samuel Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape at York Theatre Royal. The highly anticipated production will run from April 14 to May 17, 2025, offering audiences a rare opportunity to see one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors perform live on stage for an entire month.

Gary Oldman’s Return to York Theatre Royal

Oldman, known for his iconic film roles, began his professional acting career at York Theatre Royal in 1979. With a career spanning over 30 years, Oldman has become one of the most respected and versatile actors in cinema, with roles in films such as Darkest Hour, Harry Potter, and The Dark Knight trilogy. This return to the stage marks a homecoming of sorts, and the York Theatre Royal is thrilled to welcome him back.

In a statement, York Theatre Royal CEO Paul Crewes shared his excitement:

"When Gary visited us earlier this year, it was fascinating to hear him recount stories of his time as a young man on the York Theatre Royal stage. It became clear that Krapp's Last Tape was the perfect project for his return."

Gary Oldman sitting in the Theatre Royal York - in a black and white composite — Gary Oldman in Theatre Royal York

A Masterpiece by Samuel Beckett

Krapp’s Last Tape, a minimalist play by renowned playwright Samuel Beckett, will see Oldman take on the role of Krapp, a lonely man who records a tape on his birthday each year, reflecting on the year gone by. On his 69th birthday, Krapp listens to a recording he made as a young man, confronting his past hopes and dreams. The play is a powerful meditation on memory, regret, and aging, themes that Beckett often explored in his work.

Beckett, an Irish Nobel Prize-winning writer, is best known for his other classic works such as Waiting for Godot and Endgame. His deep, philosophical plays have made a significant impact on modern theatre, and Krapp’s Last Tape is considered one of his most introspective and personal works.

Tickets and Booking Information

Tickets for Krapp’s Last Tape start at £25, with priority booking for the theatre's Director’s Circle beginning on November 6 at 1 pm. York Theatre Royal Members can access tickets starting November 11, while public booking will open on November 16 at 1 pm.

This performance completes York Theatre Royal’s Spring Season, which also includes a co-production with Wise Children of North by Northwest. The opportunity to see Gary Oldman, a multi-award-winning actor with BAFTA, SAG, BIFA, and Golden Globe accolades, perform live in such an intimate setting is expected to draw significant attention.

Gary Oldman: A Cinematic Legend

Oldman’s career is a testament to his incredible range and versatility. He is known for iconic roles such as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour (which earned him an Academy Award), Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series, and Commissioner Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. His portrayal of historical figures like Sid Vicious in Sid and Nancy and Lee Harvey Oswald in JFK have also earned critical acclaim.

In recent years, Oldman has captivated audiences with his performances in films like Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Mank, and Oppenheimer, and his starring role in the hit Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, for which he has received nominations for BAFTA, SAG, and Golden Globe awards.

Don’t Miss Gary Oldman Live in Krapp's Last Tape

Gary Oldman’s return to York Theatre Royal is not just a celebration of his illustrious career, but also a nod to the importance of live theatre and the intimate connection it offers between actor and audience. Krapp’s Last Tape promises to be a powerful and moving production, led by one of the greatest actors of our time.

Make sure to secure your tickets early for this extraordinary theatrical event.