Joe Locke Set for West End Debut in 'Clarkston' After Wrapping 'Heartstopper' Film

Joe Locke At Disney's "Agatha All Along" Los Angeles Official Emmy FYC Event at DGA Theater Complex in Los Angeles, CA, USA on April 19 2025.
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Joe Locke is set to make his West End debut in ‘Clarkston’ this fall, just after finishing filming Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper’ movie.

Manx actor Joe LockeJoe Locke is heading to London’s West End this fall to star in Clarkston, a play by Samuel D. Hunter, best known for writing The Whale. The production follows Jake (Locke), a young gay man diagnosed with Huntington’s disease who forms a powerful connection with coworker Chris, played by Actor Ruaridh Mollica poses on the red carpet upon arrival at 27th British Independent Film Awards Awards at the Roundhouse in London on December 8, 2024.Ruaridh Mollica. Sophie Melville at the annual UK Critics' Circle Theatre Awards, at Soho Place in London. Picture date: Monday March 25, 2024.Sophie Melville also stars, with Jack Serio directing.

Locke told Playbill he was drawn to the “deeply human and honest” writing and is excited to bring the story to life. The role comes after his Broadway debut in Sweeney Todd and during filming of Netflix’s Heartstopper movie, which he described to the BBC as a “really nice closing chapter.”

Originally from the Isle of Man, Locke shared that seeing West End shows with his mum was a yearly tradition. “It’s very full circle,” he said, calling his West End debut a dream moment years in the making.