Clarkston review: Joe Locke’s journey to the West End has been long-deserved

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Joe Locke shines in his West End debut, offering a heartfelt portrayal of two young men falling in love. The play beautifully captures the highs and lows of their relationship, mirroring the unpredictable currents of the river that serves as its backdrop.

Most TV shows set in the American West emphasize how isolated small towns can be. This play takes that idea even further, confining all the action to a Costco and its parking lot.

Located very close by is the Snake River, famously traveled by explorers Lewis and Clark in the early 1800s. The film, Clarkston, centers on the developing relationship between Jake (played by Locke) and Chris (played by Ruaridh Mollica).

Jake is dealing with difficult questions about life after receiving a serious diagnosis, while Chris faces the stress of hiding his true self and maintaining distance from his mother, who is struggling with meth addiction.

This play dives deep into difficult topics like addiction, disability, and social class, all while exploring the challenges of finding purpose in your twenties. The script is beautifully written, delivering wave after wave of emotional impact, but it unfolds at a comfortable pace. And surprisingly, amidst all the serious themes, it’s also genuinely funny.

All three main actors deliver outstanding performances. Joe Locke, known for his roles in Heartstopper and Agatha All Along, expertly portrays a troubled teenager, but this character is particularly nuanced, showing how privilege clashes with the difficulties of a serious illness.

Sophie Melville gives a stunning performance, expertly capturing the complex emotions of addiction. She portrays a character who is both seemingly cold and deeply sympathetic, creating a realistic and relatable depiction of someone struggling with it.

Chris, as portrayed by Mollica, was the most memorable performance. He was a compelling character – clearly marked by past hardship, but still deeply sensitive. His struggles and quiet strength were powerfully moving, and at times, truly took your breath away.

As Chris faces the peak of his struggles, the show uses a striking visual effect: a yellow light that drains all color, turning everything it touches to black and white, symbolizing the loss of joy in his life.

The contrast is striking: the story unfolds with a stark, black-and-white backdrop, but the emotions and circumstances are complex and far from simple.

When and where can I see Joe Locke in Clarkston?

Clarkston will run until 22nd November 2025 at the Trafalgar Theatre.

The easiest way to reach the Trafalgar Theatre is to go to Charing Cross station, which is served by the Bakerloo and Northern tube lines, and Southeastern trains.

How to get Clarkston tickets to see Joe Locke live

Tickets went on sale in July, with good availability left.

You can buy your seat via LOVETheatre or the brand new RadioTimes Theatre Pass.

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2025-09-26 12:04