About Clarkston at the West End

Clarkston is an electrifying contemporary play by acclaimed writer Samuel D Hunter, best known for the celebrated masterpiece The Whale. Now receiving its eagerly anticipated West End debut, Clarkston delivers a compelling exploration of the American experience at the crossroads of change, identity and belonging.

A Stellar Cast and Creative Team

At the heart of Clarkston is a powerhouse cast led by Emmy-nominated Joe Locke, whose work in Heartstopper and Agatha All Along has captivated audiences. He is joined onstage by Ruaridh Mollica and Sophie Melville, with direction from Jack Serio, a Drama Desk and Obie Award winner. Each performance is shaped by a minimalist aesthetic and sharp, insightful direction, lending the narrative a raw authenticity rarely seen in mainstream drama.

A Story of Hope, Loss and Friendship

The story follows Jake, a restless young man from New England looking to escape his past and begin again. As he journeys west, Jake passes through a series of forgotten towns, landing in Clarkston, Washington. Within the fluorescent-lit aisles of a local Costco, fate introduces him to Chris, another young man navigating the challenges of rural life and personal struggle. Their unlikely friendship forms the emotional core of the play, explored within the sparsity of their surroundings.

Together, Jake and Chris unravel their dreams, fears and memories, seeking meaning in the face of uncertainty. Their connection, portrayed with nuance and sensitivity, becomes an act of quiet resilience, capturing the audience with every exchange and silence. The production is notable for its stripped-back staging, emphasizing human connection and personal transformation above spectacle.

Creative Vision and Thematic Depth

Directed by Jack Serio and designed by Milla Clarke, Clarkston’s stage is an evocative canvas. Fluorescent lighting, minimal props and stark visuals immerse the audience in the daily rhythms of small-town America. Stacey Derosier’s lighting design and George Dennis’s soundscape infuse each moment with tension and atmosphere, drawing viewers into the characters’ interior worlds.

Beneath the surface drama, Clarkston grapples with issues of mental health, belonging and the search for hope in challenging circumstances. Audience members should be aware of mature themes discussed frankly and respectfully, including grief, self-identity and personal trauma.

Why See Clarkston in London?

• Experience an authentic, contemporary American story rooted in real-life challenges

• Watch a celebrated creative team bring a new vision to the West End

• Enjoy outstanding performances that have drawn critical acclaim

• Encounter a play that is thought provoking and deeply moving, expanding the boundaries of modern theatre in the UK

Book your Clarkston tickets now!