After wrapping up his work on “Heartstopper,” it has been officially announced that Joe Locke will be taking on a new role in London, marking his first appearance on the West End stage.
Previously announced, the popular Netflix show will conclude with a final movie adaptation from Alice Oseman’s sixth and last graphic novel.
In the recent past, Locke, who graced our screens in ‘Agatha All Along’ and took center stage in ‘Sweeney Todd’ on Broadway last year, has secured a part for himself in Samuel D Hunter’s play, ‘Clarkston’, which is slated to have its UK debut this fall following completion of filming on the series.
The narrative unfolds around Jake, portrayed by Locke, a young individual identifying as gay, who relocates from Connecticut to the West Coast following his diagnosis with Huntington’s disease. During his employment at Costco, he encounters Chris, and their relationship evolves into something profound.
In this production, the actor will share the stage with Ruaridh Mollica from “Red Rose” and Sophie Melville from “The Way.” The direction for this project is being handled by Jack Serio.

As a gamer, I’m pumped to be stepping onto the West End stage for the first time in “Clarkston”. The moment I read Samuel D Hunter’s script, I felt an instant connection – his writing is so authentically human that it resonates deeply. I can hardly wait to breathe life into this heartfelt tale and share it with London audiences. It’s going to be a journey!
Hunter expressed his enthusiasm by saying: “I can’t express enough my eagerness to present Clarkston to London spectators, particularly given this outstanding cast and creative team. I’ve held a deep affection for the UK’s theater community for quite some time, so the opportunity to introduce this play to West End audiences is nothing short of a cherished dream realized.

The storyline of this production is influenced by the expansive and secluded American West and the nation’s colonial history, yet at its core, it delves into the timeless themes of love and camaraderie amidst an uncertain tomorrow. This narrative resonates deeply with contemporary audiences as well.
Locke shared with BBC News his enthusiasm for appearing in the production of Clarkston, elaborating, “I find great pleasure in portraying characters that possess depth and complexity, with a hint of mystery or ambiguity.
Every individual has their imperfections, and I’ve been fortunate in my career to portray a few such complex characters. Jake isn’t an exception; he too is a blend of virtues and vices. That’s what makes it fascinating – delving into these intricate personalities, discovering the good and the bad within them.
Heartstopper seasons 1-3 are streaming on Netflix.
Read more Heartstopper news on our dedicated homepage
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2025-07-10 17:49