A modern classic which feels organic, genuine and real.
Clarkston is an emotionally intimate play written by Samuel D. Hunter and directed by Jack Serio. The show is currently running previews at the Trafalgar Theatre on the West End. One of the leading attitude to this production is the West End debut of Joe Locke. Joe Locke is well known for his role as Charlie Spring in Heartstopper, as well as Billy in Agatha All Along. I was very excited to see Locke in this production, especially knowing his range from his previous productions. Ruaridh Mollica and Sophie Melville round the cast out, with both significant achievements of their own.
The show follows the story of Jake (Joe Locke), a young man on a journey West to discover himself: by following the stories he has read about. Whilst travelling, he starts a job at a local Costco. Here, Jake meets Chris (Ruaridh Mollica) who works the night shift. As the two young men bond, we unravel layers to both of their lives: discovering revelations and home truths. Like Lewis and Clark before them chasing the meaning of life, Jake and Chris may just find out what life holds together.
The show is intimate is many ways. Lighting used throughout the show allows for the atmosphere to feel dense and small, whilst giving grand scale to the voices on stage. Throughout the show, we slowly see the shelves become more stacked as both men start to bond: a clever symbolic element to the show. Moreover, Clarkston allows for on-stage seating, allowing you to become more involved and at home with the characters and story.
Sophie Melville, though least present in the show, has some of the most powerful scenes. Without spoiling the show, Melville’s character has some very deep rooted difficulties which lead to very emotions scenes. Melville is able to effortlessly portray this within the character, at times making me take a step back by home incredible her performance was. I can also relate to the dynamic within the show between Melville and Mollica, making the situation feel very real and genuine for me. This wouldn’t have been possible without the emotion Melville has put into her character.
Joe Locke plays Jake who has travelled to the local Costco is pursuit of hope. Locke is able to portray this character brilliantly, including the medical side of the character which could’ve been easy to misinterpret. He has a way of making each scene important through his speech and acting. Locke was also able to have some of the best comedy in the show, having a sort of ‘awkwardness’ to his humour (very similar to Charlie Spring from Heartstopper). It was a pleasure to see Locke in real life, showing that he is more than capable of being on stage and on screen. I especially enjoyed Locke’s relationship with Mollica, as both men were able to show such a fantastic relationship. For a debut in the West End, I don’t think Locke could’ve asked for any better!
However, Clarkston belongs to Ruaridh Mollica and he was absolutely delightful to watch. Having the strongest ties to Locke and Melville’s characters, Chris is very much the certain of the show throughout. Moreover, Chris has some of the heaviest scenes to act and portray to an audience which is surrounding him. Mollica is immaculate in his version of Chris, being able to make each scene feel completely genuine, heartfelt and heartbreaking at times. His dynamics with both Locke and Melville is very strong, showing a clear talent. It is some of the best acting you can currently see on the West End: I strongly believe you should go just for Mollica’s performance!
Clarkston is playing for 9 weeks until 22nd November! Watch this before it goes!
Max
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