Heartstopper Stars To Feature in New Play About the Climate Crisis

By Ellie Smith

2 years ago

Joe Locke and William Gao are set to reunite on stage


Netflix’s recent LGBTQ+ drama Heartstopper was a huge hit, striking a chord in particular with Gen Z viewers. Based on Alice Oseman’s webcomic of the same name, the heart-warming series explores themes of sexuality, following the blossoming relationship between two British schoolboys. And while the second series is a while away, two of its stars will soon be reuniting for a brand new project.

Heartstopper Stars To Feature in New Play About the Climate Crisis

Joe Locke, who plays protagonist Charlie Spring, and William Gao, who stars as his best friend Tao Xu, will feature in a new play opening at Donmar Warehouse, The Trials. Launching this August, it will deal with one of the most urgent issues of our time: the climate crisis.

Joe Locke

Joe Locke

Written by award-winning playwright Dawn King and directed by Natalie Abrahami, the drama will explore how different generations are dealing with climate change. Set in the near future, Locke and Gao will join a cast of other young actors who will form a jury to judge how a group of adult defendants have responded to environmental issues. ‘But are they delivering justice, or serving revenge?’ asks the description.

Locke and Gao aren’t the only screen stars starring in The Trials. Victoria’s Nigel Lindsay and The Bay’s Sharon Small will also feature in the cast, playing two of the defendants.

William Gao

William Gao

The play debuted in 2021 at the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus in 2021, and was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.

Michael Longhurst, artist director of the play’s venue Donmar Warehouse, said in a statement: ‘Dawn King’s explosive new play about the climate crisis demands we consider the generation most affected.

The Trials at Donmar Warehouse

‘I am proud that as part of our casting process for The Trials, the Donmar has created an extensive engagement programme with young Londoners from our community, opening routes into the industry and platforming the next generation of actors and activists.’

The Trials will run from 12 – 27 August 2022, donmarwarehouse.com

Main image: Netflix

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