Gambon at the Gate

One of the most memorable pieces of theatre I have ever seen, and probably the most affecting piece of Beckett I have ever experienced, was a production of Eh Joe as part of the Gate Theatre’s Beckett Festival in 2006. Originally written for television, it was adapted and directed by Atom Egoyan and featured two remarkable actors, Penelope Wilton and Michael Gambon – her unseen voice, his larger than life, silent stage presence. As the voice taunts him with unsavoury details of his past life in a relentless, devastating narrative, his great face crumples, bit by bit, every tic and nuance mercilessly enlarged and laid bare on a giant video screen. An extraordinary performance. Now Gambon is back at the Gate for more Beckett, the classic Krapp’s Last Tape, a brilliant study of memory and regret, with its bananas and lampshades and spool upon spool of personal history. Taking on the role of Krapp, Gambon follows in some illustrious footsteps – Patrick Magee starred in the original production at the Royal Court back in 1958, while both David Kelly and John Hurt featured in more recent productions at the Gate. Michael Colgan directs. Krapp previews on Wed 28 and opens on Thur 29 April. www.gate-theatre.ie