A Homecoming 45 Years in the Making
Oldman’s career began at the York Theatre Royal in 1979, where he performed in productions like Privates on Parade, She Stoops to Conquer, and even played the cat in the pantomime Dick Whittington. Reflecting on his early days, Oldman expressed the personal significance of his return:“York, for me, is the completion of a circle. It is ‘where it all began.’ In a real sense, coming back to York feels like coming home.”The project has added poignancy for the actor because "Krapp’s Last Tape" explores the theme of revisiting one’s past after 30 years—a narrative that mirrors Oldman’s journey back to the stage after decades working primarily in film.A Long-Awaited Return to Theatre
Although born in London, Oldman’s early career involved stints at the Royal Court and the Royal Shakespeare Company before he transitioned into film. He gained recognition with his breakthrough performances in Sid and Nancy, JFK, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In later years, Oldman captivated audiences with roles like Sirius Black in Harry Potter and won the Best Actor Oscar in 2018 for portraying Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.Oldman, now 66, admitted that a return to the stage had been on his mind for nearly three decades:"I have never been far from the theatre and have been considering a return for almost 30 years."A Spark of Inspiration in York
Oldman’s decision to return to York was reinforced during a visit to the historic theatre in March 2024, where he spent time reminiscing with its current chief executive, Paul Crewes. Crewes explained that Oldman’s visit rekindled his desire to reconnect with theatre:"There was something about coming back to York that triggered his interest. When ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ was suggested, it felt perfect, as it’s about a man reflecting on the past, much like Gary’s experience."Dates, Tickets, and What to Expect
Krapp’s Last Tape—a one-act play about an old man listening to tape recordings of his younger self—will run from 14 April to 17 May 2025 at York Theatre Royal.Priority booking will open on 6 November 2024, with general ticket sales starting on 16 November. With Oldman’s return to live theatre and the personal resonance of this production, the play promises to be a deeply emotional experience for both the actor and the audience.
Oldman’s career began at the York Theatre Royal in 1979, where he performed in productions like Privates on Parade, She Stoops to Conquer, and even played the cat in the pantomime Dick Whittington. Reflecting on his early days, Oldman expressed the personal significance of his return:“York, for me, is the completion of a circle. It is ‘where it all began.’ In a real sense, coming back to York feels like coming home.”The project has added poignancy for the actor because "Krapp’s Last Tape" explores the theme of revisiting one’s past after 30 years—a narrative that mirrors Oldman’s journey back to the stage after decades working primarily in film.A Long-Awaited Return to Theatre
Although born in London, Oldman’s early career involved stints at the Royal Court and the Royal Shakespeare Company before he transitioned into film. He gained recognition with his breakthrough performances in Sid and Nancy, JFK, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In later years, Oldman captivated audiences with roles like Sirius Black in Harry Potter and won the Best Actor Oscar in 2018 for portraying Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.Oldman, now 66, admitted that a return to the stage had been on his mind for nearly three decades:"I have never been far from the theatre and have been considering a return for almost 30 years."A Spark of Inspiration in York
Oldman’s decision to return to York was reinforced during a visit to the historic theatre in March 2024, where he spent time reminiscing with its current chief executive, Paul Crewes. Crewes explained that Oldman’s visit rekindled his desire to reconnect with theatre:"There was something about coming back to York that triggered his interest. When ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ was suggested, it felt perfect, as it’s about a man reflecting on the past, much like Gary’s experience."Dates, Tickets, and What to Expect
Krapp’s Last Tape—a one-act play about an old man listening to tape recordings of his younger self—will run from 14 April to 17 May 2025 at York Theatre Royal.Priority booking will open on 6 November 2024, with general ticket sales starting on 16 November. With Oldman’s return to live theatre and the personal resonance of this production, the play promises to be a deeply emotional experience for both the actor and the audience.
