2 minute read
Arts with Alex
ARTS
WITH ALEX KLINEBERG
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Written and performed by Jack Holden (War Horse, West End; Ink, Almeida Theatre), CRUISE is a new play paying tribute to those who lived through the AIDS crisis. Hot on the heels of It’s A Sin, CRUISE is a timely production directed by Bronagh Lagan, filmed at Shoreditch Town Hall, with live 80s pop performed by John Elliott. Watch the performance online from April 15 – 25 at Stream Theatre, tickets £12.
What’s It About?
CRUISE tells the story of Michael Spencer’s last night on Earth. Diagnosed with HIV in 1984, he’s told he’ll have four years to live – at most. Along with his partner, he sells his house and parties like there’s no tomorrow, assuming there isn’t one. His partner dies two years later and he continues to spend and party. On the last night of his four-year countdown – February 29, 1988 – Michael decides to go out with a bang. He says goodbye to everyone and continues to party. Having consumed a vast amount of drugs and spent all his money, Michael promptly… survives.
Michael got lucky, but what kind of life will he live now, assuming it was over and finding himself broke? It’s a fantastic dramatic setup with endless potential. Jack 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.”
Katy Lipson, theatre producer, said: “When you discover a script like Jack Holden’s CRUISE during a time when our beloved sector is closed it reminds you why it must reopen again. Making the decision to film CRUISE is just another way of adapting and ensuring this important story has a chance to reach audiences in a new and innovative form before we can bring it to the stage later this year for a live audience.”
