Joe Locke: Heartstopper star to make West End debut in Clarkston

Joe Locke: Heartstopper star to make West End debut in Clarkston

Up-and-coming actor Joe Locke is gearing up for his West End debut following his work on the upcoming Heartstopper movie. Locke, known for his role in the hit Netflix series Heartstopper, is set to take the stage later this year in Clarkston, a play that delves into the lives of two young men who forge a bond while working night shifts at a warehouse in a rural American town.

Written by Samuel D Hunter, the play explores the intertwined lives of Chris and Jake, two individuals from different corners of the United States who cross paths at a Costco workplace. Jake, a young gay man with Huntington’s disease, and Chris, who grapples with a difficult relationship with his drug-addicted mother, navigate themes of class and personal struggles in the small town of Clarkston, Washington.

Locke, who is thrilled about the opportunity to tackle complex characters, expressed his excitement for the new role, highlighting his affinity for flawed and multi-dimensional personas. The play encompasses a narrative grounded in friendship and male camaraderie, drawing attention to platonic relationships and the journey towards self-discovery.

Clarkston has received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and intimate portrayal of characters facing personal challenges and growth. Set against the backdrop of a Costco break room during night shifts, the play captures the vulnerability and honesty that often come to light during the early hours, providing a platform for meaningful connections and profound conversations.

Directed by Jack Serio and featuring a talented cast that includes Ruaridh Mollica and Sophie Melville, Clarkston promises to deliver a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant theatrical experience for audiences in the West End this autumn. Locke’s journey from screen to stage signifies a significant milestone in his career, as he embraces the opportunity to bring forth the complexities and nuances of the characters he embodies

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