Apollo Theatre heads back to Soho of 1988 for Cruise

Olivier-nominated play CRUISE will today return to the West End for a strictly limited run at the Apollo Theatre.

Set on February 29th, 1988 in Soho, London, CRUISE is the true story of what should have been Michael Spencer’s last night on Earth.

When Michael was diagnosed with HIV in 1984, he was told he’ll have four years to live – at most. So, with the clock ticking, he and his partner, Dave, decided to sell their house, flog the car, spend everything they have and party like it’s the last days of Rome. When Dave dies two years later, Michael doubles down on his hedonistic ways, spending what little he has left and drowning himself in drink and drugs.

On the last night of his four-year countdown – the 29th February 1988 – Michael decides to go out with a bang. He puts on his favourite jacket, heads for Soho, and embarks on a long night of farewells. He says his goodbyes to friends, enemies and strangers; old haunts, dive bars, cafes, clubs and pubs; his brothers, sisters, allies and exes. He dances, sings, and says yes to everything and everyone. Then, with all his affairs taken care of, Michael promptly… survives.  Michael got lucky, and he goes on to live to a ripe old age. Michael has been given the gift of life; but what kind of life can he now live?

CRUISE is an urgent, moving and inspirational play written and performed by Jack Holden and runs this summer from 13 August – 4 September at the Apollo Theatre.

The production was one of the first stage shows to premiere in the West End when theatres reopened in May 2021 and marked West End debuts for the producers and playwright Jack Holden.  The production won widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike and was nominated for Best New Play at the 2022 Oliviers. 

Based on a true story Jack was told whilst volunteering for Switchboard, the LGBTQ+ Listening Service, CRUISE pays tribute to a generation decimated by HIV and AIDs. Bringing to life 1980’s Soho, this kaleidoscopic musical is a celebration of queer culture with an uplifting 80s electronic soundtrack performed live by John Patrick Elliott.