Sir Gary Oldman. Picture: Gisele Schmidt
CONGRATULATIONS to Sir Gary Oldman, knighted in the King’s Honours List for services to drama.
Services that began in the repertory ranks of York Theatre Royal in 1979-1980 in a season of nine shows that took in She Stoops To Conquer, Thark, Privates On Parade and Romeo And Juliet, topped off by Oldman playing the Cat in furry suit, mittens and nylon whiskers in Berwick Kaler’s third York pantomime, Dick Whittington And His Wonderful Cat, that Christmas.
Announced on June 13, Sir Gary’s knighthood comes less than a month after he completed his banana-munching April 14 to May 17 residency in Samuel Beckett’s melancholic monodrama Krapp’s Last Tape on his return to York Theatre Royal after more than 45 years.
“To be included in the long lineage of extraordinary actors, artists and others who hold this title fills me with indescribable humility and pride,” pronounced Sir Gary in his official statement. “It is emotional, humbling and flattering all at the same time to be recognised amongst them.”
Theatre Royal chief executive Paul Crewes, who oversaw Sir Gary’s York return, says: “Congratulations to Sir Gary on this very well-deserved knighthood. We were so honoured to welcome him back to the York Theatre Royal stage this year and the whole team are delighted by this news.”
Sir Gary, 67, can be seen next in the fifth series of Slow Horses, in the lead role of grouchy Slough House spy Jackson Lamb, on Apple TV+ from September 24.
Gary Oldman in his York Theatre Royal residency in Krapp’s Last Tape from April 14 to May 17 2025. Picture: Gisele Schmidt