Jul 10
Heartstopper’s Joe Locke ‘Thrilled’ to Make West End Debut in Samuel D. Hunter’s 'Clarkston'
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Joe Locke, the breakout star of Netflix’s beloved LGBTQ+ drama "Heartstopper," is set to take his first steps onto the West End stage later this year, starring in the UK premiere of Samuel D. Hunter’s "Clarkston." The announcement, confirmed today, comes just as Locke finishes filming the upcoming feature-length conclusion to "Heartstopper, "which is based on Alice Oseman’s final graphic novel in the acclaimed series .
Locke will portray Jake, a young gay man from Connecticut who moves to the West Coast after receiving a diagnosis of Huntington’s disease. In "Clarkston," Jake meets Chris, a local with complicated family ties, as the two men forge a profound connection while working together at a Costco in a small Washington town . The play, which first premiered in Dallas in 2015, is an exploration of queer identity, hope, and human resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Locke, who has described the opportunity as “thrilling,” expressed a strong personal connection to the play’s themes. “Samuel D. Hunter’s writing is so deeply human and honest that I immediately connected with the play when I read it,” Locke said in a statement. “I can’t wait to bring this beautiful story to life and share it with audiences in London” . For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Locke’s casting in a leading West End role is a significant moment, furthering the visibility and nuanced portrayal of queer lives on major stages.
The production will be directed by Jack Serio and will also feature Ruaridh Mollica (Red Rose) and Sophie Melville (The Way), with Locke and Mollica’s characters at the heart of the story’s exploration of friendship, love, and vulnerability .
Joe Locke’s career has been on a rapid ascent since his breakout performance as Charlie Spring in "Heartstopper," a series praised for its authentic and affirming depiction of queer youth. Locke recently appeared on Broadway in "Sweeney Todd" and in Disney+’s "Agatha All Along," but "Clarkston" marks his first major London stage role . The actor has spoken of the personal significance of performing in the West End, recalling trips to London theatre with his mother while growing up .
While Locke’s performance in "Heartstopper" helped usher in a new era of LGBTQ+ storytelling for a global audience, his move to the stage signals a broadening of his artistic horizons and a continued commitment to representing queer stories with depth and honesty.
Samuel D. Hunter’s "Clarkston" has been described as a meditation on “love and friendship in the midst of an unknown future” . The play’s UK premiere is especially notable given Hunter’s reputation for tackling themes of isolation, identity, and resilience—subjects deeply resonant for many in the LGBTQ+ community.
Locke’s casting in the role of Jake, a young gay man navigating life with a chronic illness, represents a rare intersection of queer and disability narratives on a major UK stage. The production, which will announce dates and venue details in the coming weeks, is expected to draw significant attention from both theatre fans and advocates for LGBTQ+ representation in the arts .
As the "Heartstopper" series draws to a close, Locke’s new role offers audiences a chance to witness his evolution as an actor and underscores the growing demand for authentic queer storytelling across all media.
