Stephen Rea‘s debut at the Barbican Theatre is a hypnotic and profound performance in Samuel Beckett’s one-man play Krapp’s Last Tape.

Stephen Rea recorded his voice twelve years ago in anticipation of landing the role in the future,  the forethought paid off. Rea realised that the sound of his voice would change over the years as he aged and wanted to be prepared to give this performance his expertise and dedication. Something to consider by any younger actors who might like to perform this play in the future.

There are no life-affirming moments in the play or revelations. However, this is the genius of Beckett’s work something simple and relatively mundane that draws you in and hypnotically keeps you transfixed to every minute of what’s taking place on stage from eating bananas to playing the taped “spools” which Rea repeats many times much to the amusement of the audience.

Director Vicky Featherstone captures the essence of Beckett’s writing through Rea’s stage presence and brilliance. Combined with the stark black and white stage set by Jamie Vartan. With only a table and chair on the stage the audience is not distracted by anything else and all the focus is firmly on Rea’s mannerisms and inner thoughts as Krapp reflects on life, love and ageing.

Please note this production is not to be confused with the Gary Oldman production currently running in York. This current run at the Barbican Theatre only runs for four performances. The intimacy of the solo performance I feel would be lost the further back you sit in the auditorium, my advice is to sit as close as you can.

For more information about Krapp’s Last Tape and future productions at the Barbican Theatre please use the link below.

Five Stars.

Photo credit Patricio Cassinoni

https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2025/event/samuel-beckett-krapps-last-tape