This fall, Joe Locke will be making his initial appearance on the West End stage, marking his first significant role following Marvel’s Agatha All Along.
In the upcoming production, the star of Heartstopper will take center stage in Clarkston, a heartfelt and intimately personal new play penned by acclaimed playwright Samuel D Hunter.
Fans will get their first glimpse of Locke before the forthcoming Heartstopper film on Netflix in 2026. Yet, the specific dates and location for the London showing are still undisclosed as it’s only scheduled for a brief run.
Despite having graced Broadway before, specifically in the play “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”, 21-year-old Locke is making his debut on a West End stage for the first time.
As a devoted cinephile, I can’t contain my excitement about my upcoming West End debut in the captivating production of Clarkston! The raw humanity and unflinching honesty in Samuel D. Hunter’s writing drew me in instantly when I first encountered his work.
“I can’t wait to bring this beautiful story to life and share it with audiences in London.”

In the American West, the narrative unfolds around Clarkston, a place where two young lads embark on a journey to discover their identities beyond small-town existence.
In his quest for self-discovery, Jake encounters Chris, a fellow spirit working the night shift at a Costco in a remote American town. As their friendship grows, so does their thirst for adventure. They might find a fresh purpose in life by pursuing something extraordinary, similar to Lewis and Clark’s pioneering exploration.
As a cinephile, I’d rephrase that as: “In the world of movies, Clarkston is my journey into the modern wild west. It’s a tale woven with threads of friendship, belonging, romance, and dreams of unexplored horizons.
Samuel D Hunter expressed his eagerness: “I can hardly contain my enthusiasm for introducing Clarkston to London spectators, particularly with such an extraordinary cast and creative team. I’ve long admired the UK’s theater scene, so the opportunity to present this play to West End audiences is a dream realized.
This drama is deeply rooted in the expansive, solitary landscape of the American West and the historical colonization of the United States. However, at its core, it is a tale exploring the profound themes of love and camaraderie amidst an uncertain tomorrow, a narrative that resonates universally in today’s world.
In this production, Locke will share the screen with Ruaridh Mollica, renowned for his roles in HBO’s ongoing series The Franchise, as well as stage performer Sophie Melville. The project is being steered by director Jack Serio, who recently collaborated with Hunter on the debut of another play titled Grangeville.
As a movie enthusiast, I’m eagerly waiting for ticket details to be announced! In the meantime, I recommend heading over to the Clarkston website and signing up to stay informed about any upcoming updates.
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2025-07-10 12:41