Joe Locke never expected that performing at school and amateur plays would lead him down this path of singing for 1,500 people a night on Broadway.
Theater allowed him to meet most of his friends and ultimately find himself; one of his favorite roles growing up was Oliver, which makes sense given that he is both rakish and shy like Oliver is played in Oliver Joe chuckles at himself for being typecast as an orphan child from Victorian Britain but quickly laughs it off as something long ago: “But that was a long time ago.”
Joe Locke, best known for his breakout role as Charlie Spring on Netflix’s hit teen drama Heartstopper, has since returned to his theatrical roots. Standing at a joe locke height of 5ft 9 inches, he arrived in New York early January to begin rehearsals for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s Grand Guignol-style classic.
Locke will play Tobias Ragg, a young apprentice to an unscrupulous barber taken under Mrs. Lovett’s wings after becoming involved with in an elaborate plotting scheme that unfolds before eventually leading into her heartwarming feel-good teen drama; so far Locke seems relishing this dramatic turn.
Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster, two legendary Broadway performers, are thrilled with his move to New York: they describe it as “grittier and more-alive London”. When out and about, he enjoys creating stories for all those passing him by; after long days performing, Chipotle remains his go-to option.
Locke was interviewed by Vogue after concluding his first week of shows to discuss pre-show nerves, his new Marvel series and breaking out from Heartstopper’s mold.
How is it going since starting these shows just over a week ago?
Now I’m starting to enjoy it more. Initially it wasn’t enjoyable; during the first week I didn’t know what was expected of me or where my life should lead me; the anxiety levels skyrocketed until eventually they subsided; but now that I know what’s expected of me and I have less fear, it has become easier – one day thinking “Oh I have time, no need for my wig…” until suddenly realizing two minutes before going on stage….It’s fun and everyone involved has been incredible since day one – unlike film or television.
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