Peter Marinker Brings Personal Experience to Krapp's Last Tape
Peter Marinker, an 84-year-old actor living with Alzheimer's disease, is set to perform in Samuel Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape at the Cockpit Theatre in London from 2-5 September. Marinker first played the role of Krapp in 1983 and is now reusing the tapes he recorded then for this new production. His diagnosis adds a poignant layer to the play, which explores memory and regret.
Diagnosis and Stage Challenges
Marinker was diagnosed with Alzheimer's two years ago after experiencing memory lapses during a performance as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale at the Watermill Theatre. He recalls, “I would have these little dropouts on stage and I’d just pause and then carry on.” Eventually, an understudy took over. He later learned his lines for a role in Netflix series Death by Lightning, but found it challenging. For Krapp's Last Tape, he will receive in-ear prompts if needed.
Costume and Accent Choices
Marinker will wear his wife's dressing gown instead of the traditional costume, with director Dave Wybrow noting that Beckett's estate has approved the change. Marinker also plans to use his mother's Irish accent on stage, describing it as “my mother's voice”. He may perform barefoot, though he must still slip on a banana skin as per the script.
Reflections on Beckett and Memory
Marinker first encountered Beckett's work in 1976, seeing his German-language production of Waiting for Godot. He co-founded the Godot Company with publisher John Calder in the early 2000s to stage Beckett's plays. Wybrow notes that Beckett's nephew Edward, the estate executor, approves of Marinker's interpretations. Marinker draws parallels between his own experiences and Krapp's inner conflict, citing biologist Jeremy Griffith's research on intellect and instinct.
Career Highlights and Future Performances
Beyond theatre, Marinker has voiced characters in video game franchises like Dark Souls and appeared in Paddington in Peru as an old bear. He prefers radio work, saying, “What is good is that you’re invisible.” His performance in Krapp's Last Tape promises to be a deeply personal interpretation, informed by his own journey with Alzheimer's. The production is part of a resurgence of interest in the play, following recent stagings by Stephen Rea and Gary Oldman.
