Following on from the upcoming release of 16 online performances of Cruise, Jack Holden’s new one-man play will be the reopening production at the West End’s Duchess Theatre in May 2021.
Written and performed by Holden (War Horse, West End, Ink, Almeida Theatre) and featuring a 1980s soundtrack performed live by music and sound designer John Elliott, the production which is directed by Bronagh Lagan will play the Duchess Theatre from 18 May until 13 June with a press night on 20 May.
The production will mark the West End debut of Holden as a playwright, and producers Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Lambert Jackson, and will follow the release of the performances of the work filmed at Shoreditch Town Hall and due to be available from 15-25 April on Stream.Theatre.
Unveiling details of the West End run, Nimax Theatres’ Nica Burns said: “Hard as it is to find anything to celebrate in the theatre in this incredibly difficult pandemic year, being able to invite a talented new team of theatre-makers to reopen the Duchess theatre is a delight. A warm welcome to producers Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment, Jamie Lambert and Eliza Jackson of Lambert Jackson and their playwright Jack Holden, all making West End debuts. For four weeks only, prior to the reopening of the popular comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, so book now!”
Lipson commented: “It is an absolute honour to have the opportunity to present this play, not only on a West End stage but as we are coming out of what has been one of the most difficult and challenging years for all. It is a brave and innovative show which brings us into a world and part of history which we may not be so familiar with. A story which we should hear about; one of survival, loss, rebuilding a life, and looking forward to the future. All on top of the most uplifting and brilliant soundtrack. After receiving the script during lockdown, I couldn’t have imagined that we’d be presenting it as our first West End play the following year. I am so looking forward to sharing it with a live audience.”
Lambert Jackson’s Jamie Lambert and Eliza Jackson added: “For our first West End run, we are so excited to be bringing this innovative, new, and important piece of theatre to reopen the Duchess Theatre. From the moment we read the script, we knew we had to be involved. This has been a very uncertain time for theatre in the UK, and it feels right to be producing a brilliant new play by a British writer to bring important, queer British stories to audiences at this time.”
Produced by Aria Entertainment and Lambert Jackson Productions, the creative team for the production includes designer Nik Corrall, co-designer STUFISH Entertainment Architects, lighting designer Jai Morjaria, with movement by Sarah Golding and additional sound design by Max Pappenheim.
Describing the inspiration for the work which is set in 1980s Soho, Holden said: “Cruise is based on a true story I was told while I was a volunteer for Switchboard, the LGBTQ+ Listening Service. I was in a weird, unstable, self-destructive part of my early 20s. This story, among others, taught me my gay history, put my life into perspective, and helped me to grow up. The names and a lot of the events have been changed, and a hell of a lot of material has been imagined. This play is a tribute to a generation decimated by HIV and AIDs, a memorial for the old days of Soho, a celebration of electronic music, and an excuse to dance.”
Angela Thomas
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