Peter Marinker, 84, returns to Beckett role with his younger self on tape after Alzheimer’s diagnosis
The actor will perform Krapp’s Last Tape at The Cockpit in London this September
Peter Marinker is returning to one of Samuel Beckett’s best-known roles at the age of 84, following his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease.
The actor will perform Krapp’s Last Tape at The Cockpit in London this September, using reel-to-reel recordings made when he last played the role in 1983.
The recordings will bring Marinker’s younger voice into the production more than 40 years later.
Beckett’s one-act play centres on Krapp, an ageing man who spends his birthday listening to recordings he made throughout his life. He hears his younger voice and reflects on the person he once was.
The production was developed following Marinker’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He will be supported by his family and the production team, with a stage manager present during performances and in-ear prompts available if required.
Director Dave Wybrow said the production is being made “because of Peter’s Alzheimer’s, not in spite of it”.
Marinker has been closely associated with Beckett’s work for decades. He first saw Waiting for Godot at Stratford East in 1961 and went on to appear in several productions of Beckett’s plays.
His relationship with the playwright also led to an association with Beckett’s publisher John Calder and the creation of The Godot Company, which was dedicated to performing Beckett’s work.
Marinker has also built a long career in BBC Radio and audiobook recording.
His own words will now become part of the performance. Speaking about the production, he said: “Now I feel very excited to do the show.”
The short London run will raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society, with proceeds from the performances donated to the charity. The making of the production is also being filmed by videographer Chris Lincé, creating a record of the process and Marinker’s performance.
Krapp’s Last Tape runs at The Cockpit from 2 to 5 September 2026, with performances at 7.30pm. Tickets are pay what you can, from £15.
Tickets: https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/KrappsLastTape
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
