Clarkston
No performances this weekend
See this weekend's performancesThings to Know Before You Go
What is Clarkston about?
Clarkston tells the story of Jake, a young man travelling west in search of a new beginning, who ends up working the night shift at a Costco in a small town. There he meets Chris, a local who is equally stuck and restless. Over the course of their shifts together, the two men form a hesitant but profound bond as they talk, argue and imagine a life beyond the loading bay.
Who wrote Clarkston and why is it notable?
The play is written by Samuel D. Hunter, acclaimed for his quiet, compassionate portraits of American life and best known to many as the author of The Whale. Clarkston continues his interest in outsiders, faith, queerness and the search for meaning in unglamorous places, offering a small-scale story with big emotional resonance.
Who stars in this production?
This West End production of Clarkston features Joe Locke, known from Heartstopper and Agatha All Along, alongside Ruaridh Mollica and Sophie Melville. Together they create an intimate, character-driven piece that depends on nuanced, truthful performances rather than spectacle.
What is the tone of the play?
Clarkston is gentle, talkative and emotionally honest rather than flashy or plot-heavy. It balances dry humour with moments of real vulnerability, focusing on long conversations and small decisions that gradually reveal who these characters are and what they might dare to hope for.
Is Clarkston suitable for younger audiences?
The production is suitable for ages 12 and over, and under-fives are not admitted. It contains mild gore, references to suicide and death, strong language and flashing lights, so it is best suited to older teens and adults who are comfortable with these themes.
Where is Clarkston performed in London?
Clarkston is presented in the West End at Trafalgar Theatre on Whitehall, a mid-size venue close to Trafalgar Square. It is easily reached from Charing Cross and Embankment stations, making it a convenient option for both Londoners and visitors.
About this show
A quiet, luminous story about queer friendship and hope, Clarkston follows Jake, a young man drifting west across America in search of a version of himself that finally makes sense. A late-night stop at a Costco in a small Washington town leads to an unexpected connection with Chris, a restless employee passing the graveyard shift under fluorescent lights. As they share cigarettes, jokes and confessions in the loading bay, two young men adrift on the modern American frontier begin to imagine a future that might take them beyond the aisles and the stories they have inherited. Written by Samuel D. Hunter, master of quiet American drama, the award-winning author of The Whale, this West End production brings together Joe Locke, Ruaridh Mollica and Sophie Melville for a tender, unhurried portrait of loneliness, love and the fragile hope of starting again.
Other plays next weekend
The Mousetrap
Othello
The Play That Goes Wrong
