Clarkston
A powerful West End debut with Clarkston play tickets
Experience a quietly powerful tale of friendship, identity and hope as Samuel D. Hunter’s acclaimed Clarkston play arrives at the Trafalgar Theatre. Starring Heartstopper’s Joe Locke in his West End debut, this emotionally intimate drama from playwright Hunter invites audiences into a story that’s both gentle and profound. The UK premiere is playing for a strictly limited run – and it’s one of the most anticipated new plays of the year.
In Clarkston, Jake embarks on a journey west across America, in search of a new beginning and self-discovery. Along the way he meets Chris, a reserved kindred spirit working the night shift at a rural Costco. As their connection deepens, the men begin to imagine a different future, one built on shared dreams and quiet courage. The play quietly reimagines elements of American pioneering as Jake and Chris lean into the promise of adventure. As their journey unfolds, it becomes a powerful story about belonging, acceptance, and human connection.
Joe Locke makes his West End debut as Jake, following a London stage debut in The Trials at the Donmar Warehouse in 2022, and a Broadway debut in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 2024. He is best-known for his breakout role as Charlie Spring in Netflix series Heartstopper, and as Billy Maximoff in Agatha All Along.
The Clarkston play cast also features British Independent Film Award nominee Ruaridh Mollica (Sebastian) as Chris and London Evening Standard Theatre Award nominee Sophie Melville (Iphigenia in Splott, Cowbois, The Pact on BBC One).
Samuel D. Hunter’s Clarkston is one of his most well-known works, but has never been professionally performed in the UK until now. His other plays include The Whale, which was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film starring Brendan Fraser. It is directed by Drama Desk and Obie Award-winner Jack Serio.
A modern-day frontier story that quietly blazes a trail into the heart of human longing, Clarkston is a play that invites reflection on friendship, purpose, and hope. Book your tickets now for this unforgettable West End debut – secure your place at Trafalgar Theatre now.
Child friendly?
The Clarkston play age recommendation is 12+. The show contains references to suicide and drug use.