Jack Holden's CRUISE re-opens the West End
CRUISE has opened at the Duchess Theatre to rave critical reviews. The one-man show tells the story of a younger Jack manning an LGBTQ helpline, and the stories he hears while he is there. He is struck by the conversation he has with an older man, Michael, as he tells him his life story. In doing so, he conjures a vivid and visceral image of the gay scene in Soho in the 1980s, and what it was like to live through the HIV crisis. CRUISE is deeply moving, but fundamentally energetic and fun: it is a pleasure to watch. Holden shares the stage with composer John Elliot, whose ecclectic score brings the whole together. CRUISE is the first show to open in the West-End in 2021.
***** - Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph
“This new play is as searingly honest as It’s a Sin.”
**** - Kate Wyver, The Guardian
“A stunning return to lost gay London,”
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/may/21/cruise-review-duchess-theatre-london
***** - All that Dazzles
"Jack's characterisation is second to none. He shows incredible versatility and believability as he effortlessly has conversations with himself as he plays characters ranging from Lady Lennox, the Nymphs of Greek Street and Slutty Dave."
https://allthatdazzles.wixsite.com/allthatdazzles/post/review-cruise-duchess-theatre
*****-Ian Bowkett, Musical Theatre Review
"Jack Holden delivers a superb perfromance, or rather: dozens of superb performances."
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***** - Greg Stewart, Theatre Weekly
"One of the most incredible and must-see pieces of theatre to come to London."
https://theatreweekly.com/review-jack-holdens-cruise-at-the-duchess-theatre/
**** - Sarah Crompton, What’s On Stage
“A blistering blast of a one-man show about queer life in Soho circa 1988.”
https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/reviews/review-cruise-duchess-theatre_54105.html
***** - Charlie Wilks, Broadway World
" Holden uses high action moments to convey joy and passion - there's a remarkable spark to his performance that captures your attention from the start."
https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/BWW-Review-CRUISE-at-The-Duchess-Theatre-20210521
**** - Holly O’Mahony, Culture Whisperer
“Holden paints a gaggle of alluring characters, colouring in these figures and the nightlife around them with heartfelt nuance.”
https://www.culturewhisper.com/r/theatre/aids_play_cruise_duchess_theatre/16264
**** - Sam Marlowe, iNews
"A hedonistic odyssey through 80s Soho, a rainbow-bright celebration of queer culture, and an actor’s tour de force: Jack Holden’s new solo drama dazzlingly lights up a reopening West End."
**** - Paul Vale, The Stage
"Jack Holden’s meaty, poetic monologue explores life, love and loss in Soho’s gay community."
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review-cruise-jack-holden-duchess-theatre-london-2021