Joe Locke transitions from his role in ‘Heartstopper’ to a compelling West End performance in Samuel D. Hunter’s ‘Clarkston,’ portraying a young man living with Huntington’s disease and facing life’s uncertainties with quiet resilience.
Joe Locke, known for his role in Netflix’s gay teen rom-com “Heartstopper,” makes an assured transition from screen to stage with his West End debut in the production of “Clarkston” at London’s Trafalgar Theatre. In Samuel D. Hunter’s play, Locke steps away from his previous portrayal of a shy schoolboy to embody Jake, a young, awkward East Coast American with a background in post-colonial gender studies. Jake’s narrative unfolds during a solo road trip, which finds him working night shifts stacking shelves at a Costco in the small Washington State town of Clarkston, far from his hoped-for destination on the Pacific Ocean.
Jake’s story is underscored by a tragic revelation: he has Huntington’s disease, a cruel, terminal genetic condition which will see him live with full-blown dementia within eight years. Despite the gravity of this diagnosis, the play avoids descending into despair. Instead, it explores themes of hope, human connection, and the courage to face life’s uncertainties. Locke’s portrayal of Jake is nuanced and compelling, capturing his character’s self-doubt and fragility with subtlety, complemented by a flawless American accent likely refined during his recent Broadway appearance in “Sweeney Todd.”
Opposite Locke is Ruaridh Mollica, making an impressive West End debut as Chris, a fellow shelf stocker whose struggles to come out as gay are compounded by a troubled upbringing marked by a meth-addicted mother. Chris’s character is portrayed with quiet intensity and resilience, embodying the harsh realities of poverty and familial disruption. His aspiration to become a writer contrasts with Jake’s more privileged background, creating a dynamic that highlights differing experiences of hardship and hope.
Sophie Melville plays Trisha, Chris’s mother, delivering a powerful and volatile performance that heightens the emotional tension within the play. Her depiction of addiction and maternal love is raw and unsettling, encapsulating the struggles faced by many in similar circumstances.
Hunter’s play is a tender, contemplative examination of modern American life and the pursuit of self-acceptance amidst isolation and adversity. The narrative, while emotionally resonant, maintains an unyielding honesty and eschews sentimentality. The staging, directed by Jack Serio, further accentuates the intimate and raw nature of the story, with parts of the audience even seated on the stage to enhance immersion. This expressionistic approach contrasts with the naturalistic acting and lends an atmospheric depth, though some have found the onstage audience seating more distracting than meaningful.
Critics have noted that while “Clarkston” may lack sweeping plot developments, it thrives on emotional nuance and authentic dialogue that captures the stutters and hesitations of real life. The play’s characters are portrayed as “losers in life’s lottery,” navigating the margins of society with a resilience that is both heartbreaking and quietly inspiring.
Joe Locke’s performance anchors the play, but it is Ruaridh Mollica’s portrayal of Chris that many regard as the emotional heart of the production. His character’s story of survival and muted desperation contrasts effectively with Jake’s more introspective journey. Melville’s Trisha adds a volatile edge that keeps the tension sharply focused throughout.
“Clarkston” runs until 22 November 2025 and, while modest in scale, offers a powerful meditation on love, resilience, and the search for meaning. For Locke, this role presents an opportunity to showcase his range beyond his teen rom-com fame, suggesting potential readiness for more classical theatrical challenges in the future.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
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Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the play ‘Clarkston’ running at the Trafalgar Theatre until 22 November 2025. ([londontheatredirect.com](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/clarkston-first-look-production-photos?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The quotes in the narrative are original, with no prior online matches found.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a reputable UK newspaper, enhancing its credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about the play’s cast, plot, and themes are consistent with other reputable sources, such as the BBC News article on Joe Locke’s West End debut. ([feeds.bbci.co.uk](https://feeds.bbci.co.uk/news/articles/cvgn4klzjmko?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, original, and sourced from a reputable outlet. Claims are consistent with other reputable sources, and no discrepancies or signs of disinformation were found.
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