A new queer comedy, Northbound Boy, explores love and the things we hold dear. The story follows 43-year-old Ken, who picks up a younger man named Rory at a service station. However, Ken soon realises that Rory is looking for a different ride. After a short drive to Ken’s recently inherited home, Rory attempts to make a move on Ken’s valuables, only to find out that Ken’s elusive Aunt Ivy has already taken them. This home is not where Ken’s heart lies, and it’s not just skeletons coming out of the closet.
The cast of Northbound Boy
Cormac, best known for his role as series regular Harry in the popular Netflix series Heartstopper, will play the character of 19-year-old Rory, who is picked up by Ken, played by Neil Ashton. Neil is recognised for his role as Davey MacDonagh in Sky Originals’ Brassic. The cast is rounded out by Sarah Moyle, known for her role as Valerie in BBC’s Doctors, as well as for her performances in the original West End and Broadway productions of Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem. Sarah will portray Ken’s mysterious estranged Aunt Ivy.
Northbound Boy is by James Hogan
Northbound Boy is the latest play by James Hogan, who is known for founding Oberon Books in 1985 and for his previous play Venetian Gold (performed at Cockpit Theatre London, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and King’s Head Islington in 1991). Now in his 80s, Hogan stepped away from Oberon Books in 2019 to devote more time to his passion for playwriting. The show will be directed by Alex Jackson, co-founder of the Exeter Fringe Festival, who is making his main house debut after completing the King’s Head Theatre Trainee Director scheme.
“I’ve met so many lonely guys who don’t fit into the gay scene. In the play, Ken has never even been to a gay bar. At 43, he’s suddenly forced out of his comfort zone. On the M61, he gives a lift to a young hitchhiker, Rory, who makes a pass in the car and won’t take no for an answer. Something’s got to give. I just had to write Northbound Boy, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to work at the King’s Head after thirty-three years!
James Hogan
“In 1991, Venetian Gold was brought in from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Since then, my work has been in several fringe theatres in London and the North. I’ll be 81 when the play opens. I might be the oldest unknown playwright in the country!”
Northbound Boy runs from 13 August to 1 September 2024 at King’s Head Theatre, 116Upper Street, London N1 1QP, United Kingdom.
