Theatre News

Joe Locke, Sophie Melville and Ruaridh Mollica to star in Clarkston in the West End

The new play opens this autumn

Alex Wood

Alex Wood

| London |

10 July 2025

clarkes
Ruaridh Mollica, Joe Locke and Sophie Melville, © YellowBelly, Ruth Crafer and The Other Richard

WhatsOnStage Award-winner Joe Locke will make his West End debut this autumn in the UK premiere of Clarkston by Samuel D Hunter.

The production will run for a limited season and is directed by Jack Serio. Locke stars opposite Ruaridh Mollica and Sophie Melville, who complete the cast.

Clarkston follows Jake, a young man travelling west in search of meaning, who crosses paths with Chris during a night shift at a Costco in a small American town. As their relationship grows, they begin to imagine a new future.

Locke said today: “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.”

Hunter’s work includes The Whale, A Case for the Existence of God and A Bright New Boise. The West End production follows Hunter and Serio’s recent collaboration on Grangeville in New York.

Clarkston was first seen as part of a double bill of plays at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater in 2018, and now makes its UK premiere.

Ticket details and further information will be revealed very soon.

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