Krapp’s Last Tape / Godot’s To-Do List
13 May 2026
Royal Court Theatre
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Krapp’s Last Tape / Godot’s To-Do List, currently running at the Royal Court Theatre until 30 May, pairs Beckett’s classic with impressive new writing. Often staged in a double bill due to its one-act nature, Krapp’s Last Tape is set as the headliner, with Godot’s To-Do List as the opener, both presented in a 75 minute production without an interval.
Godot’s To-Do List, written by 2025 inaugural Royal Court Young Playwrights Award winner Leo Simpe-Asante, presents an answer to why Godot did not show up to meet his friends. He is stuck in a dark loop of bizarre tasks that push him to his limits. Presented with an incredible dose of humour, this absurdist and existentialist piece shows incredible writing skills, especially for such a young playwright. A genius choice to present against the backdrop of Krapp’s Last Tape, pairing a fresh and dynamic young perspective with Beckett’s classic on ageing and regret. Simpe-Asante is definitely an exciting new artist to keep an eye on!
Krapp’s Last Tape, directed and acted by Gary Oldman, is Beckett’s famous pondering piece that sees titular 69yr old Krapp wistfully listen to a diary tape recorded by his 39yr old younger self. The play is meandering, placing a lot of importance on silences and quiet consideration, presenting an older man exhausted by life trying to understand himself of the past. Oldman places the emphasis heaviest on yearning and regret, the contemplation of a tired Krapp palpable. Audiences can almost see the will to live dissipate off of Krapp while he peruses his own past and judges himself harshly.
A gorgeous production that has a lived-in feel to it, with a wonderfully messy set, piled high with boxes, crates, documents, books, old items in need of repair, like a grandparent’s old basement. It evokes the comfort of a well loved home while simultaneously feeling chaotic, unorganised, left to deteriorate for too long, just like the main character himself.
It’s a tremendous double bill production that honours Beckett’s work, contrasting stunning acting on a classic with brilliant modern writing.
