Krapp's Last Tape by Samuel Beckett

Krapp's Last Tape is a journey through an old man's life, filled with hilarious memories and hopes for the future, coupled with the mourning of lost love and unfulfilled ambition. Revel in Samuel Beckett's classic play, as audiences are invited into Krapp's world of solitude, reflection, dreams, elation, and despair.

Brought to life in disused function rooms, underground vaults, former jails, dusty factories - and for one night only at South Street Arts Centre - we are transported to a land of joy, sadness, lost ambition, love, madness, and hope.

This production, directed by Academy Award nominee Stockard Channing and starring David Westhead, comes to Reading as part of a global tour throughout 2026 and 2027.

The 50 minute perfromance will be followed by a short 30 mins Q&A for those who wish to stay.

Stockard Channing:
Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning, Stockard Channing brings her unique directorial vision to this production, exploring the intricate layers of Beckett's masterpiece and Krapp's solitary world.

David Westhead: 
A veteran of The Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, multi-award-winning actor David Westhead embodies the complexities of Krapp, delivering a performance that is by turns powerful, funny and deeply moving.

Recipient of the 2026 Gold Festival Fringe Award

"The staging is superb and Westhead's performance is mesmerising, holding the audience's attention throughout.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One4Review

"Stockard Channing turns Krapp to gold." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Festival Review

"Channing's directing powers are spot on. We forget we are at the theatre and believe we are witnessing a real person." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"In giving us this version... Channing and Westhead have created a legacy for themselves. Westhead has an uncanny ability to make it feel as though he is entirely alone." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Reviews Hub

Age guidance: 10+
Running time: 50 mins (+ 30 mins Q&A for those who wish to stay)