New musical Redcliffe, written by Jordan Luke Gage comes to Southwark Playhouse from May 2026.
Also reprising his lead role as William, which previously captivated audiences during the workshop performances, Gage has said, “it has been my greatest fulfilment creating Redcliffe and exploring the world of 18th century Bristol, a time that was beyond terrifying for men like me to exist in. To be able to tell this story, one which has never been told on the public stage, and to be able to hopefully move, uplift and change people, is beyond thrilling for me as both writer and actor.”
Set against the backdrop of 18th Century England, the new musical is based on the haunting true story of William Critchard and Richard Arnold in Redcliffe, Bristol and is an epic tale of forbidden love during the persecution people faced for hundreds of years.
William, a man from humble beginnings, is swept up in a hurricane of passion and danger when he meets Richard, a sailor visiting the town. This meeting forces both men to question everything they knew about the world and themselves.
With book, music, lyrics and starring Jordan Luke Gage, Redcliffe has been supported and developed byMTFestUK, The Other Palace and Bill Kenwright Limited.
Further casting to be announced in due course.
JORDAN LUKE GAGE (BOOK, MUSIC, LYRICS AND STARRING AS WILLIAM CRITCHARD)
Jordan is most known for originated the role of Clyde Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (Arts/Garrick) and originating the role of Romeo in the Olivier Award winning &Juliet (Shaftesbury theatre). He was nominated for both roles as Best Lead Actor (What’sOnStage Awards).
His other West End credits include originating Cal in Titanique, Strat in Bat Out Of Hell (The Dominion Theatre) and JD in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket).
He played the role of Phillip in Alexi Kaye Campbells play The Pride at the Fortune theatre, West End, Fabrizio in the Light in the Piazza at Alexandra Palace and the title role in Bat Boy at the London Palladium
His solo show sold out the Outernet live music venue in London twice over and raised hundreds for the charity Stonewall Housing, who are proud sponsors of Redcliffe. Jordan was nominated for ‘Positive role model for the LGBT community’ at the National diversity awards.
His screen credits include Gilbert in Lincoln in the Bardo (Feature film), Prince James in The Royal Kill List(Sky), Adrian Barber in Cilla (ITV), and Luc in Cucumber (Channel 4) and voicing the role of Lucas in Midsummer Night (Netflix).
Redcliffe is Jordan’s writing debut, which he has been working on for three years.
Performance Schedule: Monday – Saturday at 7pm
Tuesday and Saturday at 2.30pm
Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)
Age Guidance: 14+
Southwark Playhouse Borough
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