Gary Oldman is set to make a notable return to the West End stage after a 39-year absence, starring in and directing Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape at the Royal Court Theatre in 2026. Oldman’s involvement is part of the Royal Court’s 70th anniversary season, marking an important milestone at the historic venue where he last performed in Caryl Churchill’s Serious Money decades ago.
This revival of Beckett’s one-act play, which was first staged at the Royal Court in 1958 featuring Patrick McGee, centers on an elderly man who listens to recordings of his younger self. The production is scheduled to run in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs beginning 8th May. It follows Oldman’s recent performance of the play earlier this year at York Theatre Royal and his current role in the television series Slow Horses.
Supporting Features in the Anniversary Season
Each evening’s performance will open with a Beckett-inspired short play titled Godot’s To-Do List, written by Jerwood New Playwright Leo Simpe-Asante. This new addition complements Oldman’s lead role, incorporating fresh dramatic voices alongside this classic material.
Sir Tilda Swinton will also return to the stage during this season, reprising her role as Ella/Max in Manfred Karge’s Man To Man. Her appearance reconnects her with a character she famously portrayed more than 30 years ago. The play explores the story of a woman from 1930s Germany who assumes her deceased husband’s identity and will be performed at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs from 5th September to 24th October.
Diverse Lineup Highlights New and Established Talent
The anniversary season will open earlier with Luke Norris’s romantic drama Guess How Much I Love You?, starring Robert Aramayo and Rosie Sheehy. Alongside these headline productions, audiences can expect a robust lineup of new plays, including:
- The S**theads by Jack Nicholls, offering a fresh theatrical perspective.
- Monument by Rhys Warrington, adding to the season’s diverse titles.
- John Proctor is the Villain by Kimberly Belflower, a provocative new drama.
- Between the River and the Sea by Yousef Sweid and Isabella Sedlak, blending rich narrative themes.
- Are You Watching? by Georgie Dettmer, exploring contemporary issues.
- Archduke by Rajiv Joseph, contributing historical drama.
- Blood of My Blood by Joy Nesbitt, adding emotional depth to the lineup.
- The Aronauts by Ryan Calais Cameron, rounding out the season with innovative storytelling.
Gary Oldman Shares His Enthusiasm for the Return
Reflecting on this upcoming stage project, Oldman expressed his excitement:
“I’m very excited to be returning to the Royal Court with Krapp’s Last Tape and to share the stage with Leo’s wonderful play Godot’s To Do-List.”
He further added,
“I’m very honoured and proud to be a part of it.”
Looking Ahead to a Celebrated Theatre Season
The Royal Court’s 70th anniversary season promises to be a compelling blend of classic and contemporary drama, featuring distinguished artists like Gary Oldman and Tilda Swinton alongside emerging playwrights. This return to the West End not only marks a significant moment in Oldman’s career but also highlights the theatre’s ongoing commitment to innovative productions. The lineup is expected to draw both longtime theatre enthusiasts and new audiences alike, reinforcing the Royal Court’s status as a vibrant center for cutting-edge performance.
