1988. Soho. His Last Night on Earth
The “stunning, joyful and wholeheartedly life-grabbing” (The Guardian), Olivier award nominated Cruise is the true story of what should have been Michael Spencer’s last night on earth.
When he’s diagnosed with HIV in 1984, Michael is told he’ll have four years to live – at most. On the last night of his four-year countdown, Michael decides to go out with a bang. He says his goodbyes, dances, sings, and says yes to everything and everyone… and then survives.
Written and performed with “vast charm, empathy and energy” (Evening Standard) by Jack Holden, Cruise is a celebration of queer culture. A kaleidoscopic musical and spoken word tribute to the veterans of the AIDs crisis with an irresistible 80s soundtrack. Cruise will make you laugh, cry, and inspire you to live every day as if it’s your last.
"Life Affirming"The Telegraph
"Incredible"Gay Times
"Stunningly funny, joyful and whole heartedly life-grabbing"The Guardian
"A one man masterpiece"Evening Standard
Cast
Jack Holden
Writer & Performer Read bioJohn Patrick Elliott
Composer, Performer & Sound Design Read bioJohn is an award-winning composer, music producer and songwriter for film and theatre.
He composed and performed the live electronic score for Jack Holden’s Olivier-nominated play CRUISE which reopened London’s West End at the Duchess Theatre in summer 2021.
Other recent theatre work includes composing the original music for National Youth Theatre’s adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm (★★★★★ “Extraordinary” – The Stage) which opened at the Royal & Derngate and toured the UK in 2021.
John was the recipient of the Steve Reid InNOVAtion Award in 2017 for boundary-pushing music creators, judged by a panel of music industry professionals including Gilles Peterson, Four Tet and Floating Points. He won Best Composer at the International Phoenix Short Film Festival 2022.
He has released several acclaimed albums and toured the UK and Europe extensively with his alt-folk/electronic band The Little Unsaid (“Bold and different…stretches boundaries” – The Guardian).
This year has so far seen the release of two new feature films John has scored: Three Moons of Biyangdo and Wild Isles (official selection for the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival currently touring the USA).
As well as collaborating again with Jack Holden on new musical play THE ISLE, John is currently composing new solo work after being awarded the Do It Differently Fund from Help Musicians UK. He is also producing a new album by The Little Unsaid, with whom he’ll perform at festivals including Glastonbury this summer before an extensive UK tour in October.
Creative Team
Bronagh Lagan
Director Read bioNik Corrall
Set & Costume Designer Read bioStufish Entertainment Architects
Set & Projections Design Read bioPrema Mehta
Lighting Designer Read bioMax Pappenheim
Co-Sound Designer Read bioSarah Golding
Movement Director Read bioAria Entertainment
Producer Read bio
Show information
Duration:
1 hour and 40 minutes
- Running time: 1hr 40mins (no interval)
- Suitable for 16yrs+
- This production contains smoking, smoke and haze
- There are adult themes throughout this production including references to self-harm
Ticket information
- Tickets: £35 – £12.50
Access information
Accessible Performances
Audio Described Performance: Thu 3 Aug 20:00
Captioned Performance: Wed 2 Aug 20:00
British Sign Language Interpreted Performance: Wed 2 Aug 20:00
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