Jake Mace
Kevin Short is bring Samuel Beckett’s classic play Krapp’s Last Tape to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this week. The protagonist, Krapp, revisits his younger self via audio tapes he has recorded over the years. The younger Krapp was full of hope and idealism. The older Krapp is full of woe and torment. Kevin says the play is thought to be Beckett at his most autobiographical – so to understand why he decided to bring the story to the Fringe stage we caught up with him for a pixelated pint.
You can catch Krapp’s Last Tape from August 1st to 9th Lime Studio at Greenside @ George Street from 12:45 (50mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Jake: Hi Kevin, could you start by giving us an idea of your background and how you’ve ended up performing at Fringe this year?
Kevin: I have been visiting the Edfringe, both as a spectator and participant, for many years. Since the 1990’s, I have promoted or produced over 200 productions, as well as performing in many self-penned pieces. I have also been a venue operator in the past, but in recent years have been leaving that to others, and concentrating on the creative side. Having recommended other companies to experience the Greenside venues, this year, I thought I’d experience performing in one of them myself, and the Lime Studio seemed just the right space for ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’.
Jake: Krapp’s Last Tape is believed to be Samuel Beckett’s most autobiographical piece – tell us about your relationship with the show and why you decided to bring it to a Fringe stage this year.
Kevin: I have long been a fan of Beckett’s work, and in the past have produced the likes of Sylvester McCoy and Linda Marlowe in Beckett plays at previous festivals. I saw Max Wall, Ian McDiarmid, and others tackle the role of Krapp, and have been waiting for the right time to have a go myself. I’m also, now, nearer the protagonist’s age. Having performed in quite a few Becket pieces over the years, I think it would be fair to say he has been quite an influence on my career as a performer, and I sincerely hope to do Krapp justice. One thing, for sure, I am playing the piece strictly by the book, how I hope Beckett would want it.
Jake: Tell us about what the audience can expect coming into the show, and what they might not expect about the show.
Kevin: People who may read the description of the show, a semi-autographical look at an ageing writer who is now down on his uppers, whose only pleasure is listening to his younger self on past audio tapes he has made, might expect a rather bleak experience but, fear not, Beckett always has a good supply of the unexpected to tickle your funny bone, and for all the drama he creates, there’s an equal amount of humour. Not to mention bananas. Yes, we do have bananas! Krapp loves them. And so do I.
Jake: What are you hoping the audience might take away from the experience, if anything?
Kevin: I hope people might go away with a better appreciation and understanding of Samuel Beckett, and are urged to read and see more of his work. ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ is certainly one of his major classics, one which enthusiasts never tire of seeing, and one which can be a wonderful introduction to his writings.
Jake: With Edinburgh Fringe 2025 just around the corner, what are you most excited for?
Kevin: Having many freinds playing the festival this year, I’m looking forward to seeing some of their shows, as well as having some social catch-ups. Show-wise, you’ll see me at one of the John Otway nights at the Voodoo Rooms, The Queen is Mad at Zoo Southside, and The Jive Aces at the Gilded Balloon. Believe it or not, The Jive Aces recorded a song of mine called ‘Have a Banana’ so, hopefully, they will be singing it for me and Krapp at the festival.
Jake: Given the themes of Binge Fringe, if your show was a beverage of any kind (alcoholic, non-alcoholic – be as creative as you like!), what would it be and why?
Kevin: What else but a Banana Daiquiri, or a Banana Milkshake. Then again, a Banana Beer might be worth a try too. Basically, whatever your fancy, it’s time to go bananas!
A reminder, you can catch Krapp’s Last Tape from August 1st to 9th Lime Studio at Greenside @ George Street from 12:45 (50mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
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