- In
- On July 22, 2025
Joe Locke’s West End debut will be in Clarkston, a play by Samuel D Hunter. Clarkston follows a young man named Jake who is traveling west across America. He crosses paths with Chris on his search for meaning in a small American Town. The play explores their relationship and the future they imagine together. The play was first stages at Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre back in 2018. This will be the UK premiere for it.
The show has finally announced it’s venue, The Trafalgar Theatre following the early closure announcement from Clueless The Musical. The play has won a New Play Award from the Edgerton Foundation, with previous winners including Next to Normal.

Hunter’s other work involves The Whale, A Bright New Boise and A Case for the Existence of God. The play will be directed by Jack Serio and this would be the second collaboration between Hunter and Serio as they also collaborated on Grangeville which played in New York. Locke is most well-known for his role as Charlie in Heartstopper alongside Kit Connor’s Nick.
It’s been a busy couple years for the Heartstopper stars as Locke made his Broadway debut last year in Sweeny Todd. Where he received high praises and his professional stage debut was at the Donmar Warehouse in 2022 for The Trials. For this he was nominated and won the WhatsOnStage award for Best Professional debut. Kit Connor also debuted on Broadway last year in Romeo + Juliet opposite Rachel Zegler (Evita). Locke is one of the most exciting young stars in the theatre industry and his debut it sure to draw many eyes and visitors.
General on-sale tickets are on sale now, the show is running a limited nine-week season so make sure to book before it’s too late!