Heartstopper's Joe Locke is making his West End debut in "intimate" new play this autumn

This is the first chance fans will have to see Locke ahead of the recently-announced Heartstopper movie, set to hit Netflix in 2026. However, the show will be landing in London for a strictly limited run and the dates and venue have not yet been announced.

Although Locke is no stranger to the stage, having performed on Broadway in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, this is the first time the 21-year-old will set foot on a West End stage.

Following the announcement, he said: “I’m thrilled to be making my West End debut in Clarkston. Samuel D Hunter’s writing is so deeply human and honest that I immediately connected with the play when I read it.

"I can’t wait to bring this beautiful story to life and share it with audiences in London.”

Set in the American West, Clarkston is the story of two young boys striving to find themselves outside of rural town life.

The synopsis reads: “On a journey West to rediscover himself, Jake unexpectedly meets Chris – a kindred soul hiding in a night shift at a Costco in a rural American town. As their bond deepens, so does their sense of adventure. Maybe they could finally give life new meaning by chasing something more – like the intrepid explorers Lewis and Clark before them.

“Clarkston is a modern frontier story that blazes a trail through friendship, acceptance, love and the hope of new discoveries.”

Samuel D Hunter added: “I couldn't be more excited to bring Clarkston to London audiences, especially with this phenomenal cast and creative team. I've always adored the UK’s theatre scene, so being able to share this play with audiences in the West End is truly a dream come true.

"This play draws from themes of the vast and isolated American West and the colonial past of the United States, but it's fundamentally a story about love and friendship in the midst of an unknown future, which is a pretty universal story these days.”

Starring opposite Locke is Ruaridh Mollica, best known for his regular appearances in HBO’s The Franchise, and stage actor Sophie Melville. The show is being directed by Jack Serio, who recently worked with Hunter on the world premiere of his other play Grangeville.

Ticket information has not yet been released, but for now you can sign up to the Clarkston website for more details.

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