Jack Holden

Jack’s debut play Cruise opened at the Duchess Theatre in London’s West End in May 2021 and was nominated for the Olivier Award for Best New Play 2022. The first new play to open in the West End after the lockdown theatre closures, Cruise was a monologue written and performed by Jack, based on a true story he heard when volunteering for Switchboard, the LGBT+ listening service. Cruise returned to the Apollo Theatre for a sold-out run in Summer 2022, and it received its regional premiere at HOME Manchester in Summer 2023. A filmed version of Cruise was shown on Stream.Theatre. The play text is published by Methuen Drama. 

Jack was a participant of the Royal Court Young Writers Group. He is currently a participant on Channel 4’s 4SCREENWRITING course. 

As a producer, Jack has overseen the production of short films, plays and outdoor theatre tours.

Awards:

Nominated Olivier Awards - Best New Play 2022

Nominated The Stage Debut Awards - Best Creative West End Debut 2022

Winner Best Recorded Show (Edited - Significant Edits) - Offies 2022

Press for Cruise:

‘Life affirming and as searingly honest as It’s A Sin... A tour de force, the toast of the town.’ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (The Telegraph)

'Comedy and tragedy blend together in an unforgettable piece of queer history'. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (Broadway World)

‘Stunningly funny, joyful and wholeheartedly life-grabbing. Holden is enchanting.’ ★ ★ ★ ★  (The Guardian)

‘Cruise achieves so much it’s tricky to decide which standout feature to rave about first.’ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (Gay Times)

‘Validation of all theatre can do.’ ★ ★ ★ ★  (WhatsOnStage)

‘Holden’s narrative grabs our attention with remarkable freshness and flair… Cruise is a meaty, gloriously theatrical writing debut.’ ★ ★ ★ ★  (The Stage) 

‘A sublime, beautifully written, 90-minute tour de force.’ (Sky News)