Joe Locke Will Silence Critics with ‘Clarkston’, His Major West End Comeback

  • 2 minute read
Ignacio Ferreyra
  • July 24, 2025
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Criticised for his appearance and lack of experience, Joe Locke proves his talent in Clarkston, his highly anticipated return to the London stage.

The eagerly awaited UK premiere of ‘Clarkston‘, a play by award-winning playwright Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale), will run at London’s Trafalgar Theatre from 17 September to 22 November 2025. The production will star Joe Locke, known for his role in Heartstopper, alongside Ruaridh Mollica (The Franchise) and Sophie Melville (Iphigenia in Splott).

Directed by Drama Desk Award-winner Jack Serio, Clarkston is described as an emotionally intimate story about the search for identity and connection in rural America. In Clarkston, Jake embarks on a westward journey and ends up meeting Chris, a kindred spirit stuck working the night shift at a Costco. Their bond deepens into a life-changing adventure, reminiscent of explorers Lewis and Clark.

This project marks Locke’s return to the London stage following his acclaimed performance in The Trials at the Donmar Warehouse in 2022, for which he won Best Professional Debut at the 2023 WhatsOnStage Awards. Following his Broadway debut in Sweeney Todd, Locke is also currently filming the final Heartstopper movie for Netflix.

Despite his rising success, Joe Locke has been the target of unfair criticism — not only for defying conventional beauty standards, but also for his supposed lack of experience. These attacks say more about the industry’s outdated expectations than about his abilities. With Clarkston, Locke isn’t just proving himself — he’s claiming his space. His dedication, emotional depth and presence on stage make it clear: he belongs here. That Samuel D. Hunter personally entrusted him with this role is a testament to his strength as an actor and to the future that awaits him among the greats of theatre and cinema.

Clarkston is shaping up to be one of London’s most exciting theatrical events this autumn. Tickets are now available.

🎟️ Tickets: Clarkston, 17 September – 22 November 2025 at the Trafalgar Theatre, London.

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Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Xmag UK, Ignacio Ferreyra began his career shaping the image of global brands worldwide. He later became a contributing editor for Elle Argentina and wrote for leading Argentine media before founding Xmag in 2019, now an international luxury and culture magazine with European reach.
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