Jerker is alternatively titled “The Helping Hand, A Pornographic Elegy with Redeeming Social Value and A Hymn to the Queer Men of San Francisco in Twenty Telephone Calls, Many of them Dirty.” Jerker is premiering at Waterloo East Theatre this Autumn with a limited 3-week run from 26 September 2026.
JERKER is a daring and seductive play about two strangers who connect through a series of late-night phone calls. What begins as an anonymous fantasy quickly deepens into something more profound.
Hidden from each other’s sight, the men reveal their secrets, fears, and longings through their voices alone. Each call pulls them further into an intimate world where imagination becomes a lifeline, blurring the line between fantasy and genuine connection, and raising the question of who they truly are to one another.
By turns playful, provocative, and unexpectedly tender, the play explores how intimacy can flourish in isolation. It is a steamy, suspenseful journey into desire, vulnerability, and the power of being heard.
18+ Contains strong descriptive language of a sexual nature and nudity.
Cast of Jerker
James Lee plays Bert and Paul Dennison plays JR.
James Lee: James is an actor and writer who trained in theatre at The BRIT School, where he studied both classical and contemporary repertoire. He recently completed an independent television pilot in Los Angeles and is now making his professional stage debut in Jerker at the Waterloo East Theatre. His screen credits include the short films SHEEP and The Last Hour (written and directed by John Biltcliffe), as well as A Man I Know (directed by Anca Radu). In addition to his acting work, James is developing original material for the stage, focusing on bold, character-driven narratives that explore the complexities of human relationships.
Paul Dennison: Paul Dennison grew up in Banbury, Oxfordshire, before relocating to London to train at East 15 Acting School, where he graduated with a BA (Hons) in Acting. After graduating, Paul spent three years in Osaka, Japan, performing as the Terminator in Universal Studios Japan’s T2 3-D stunt show. During his time in Japan, he also originated the role of Franky in the first two live-action summer productions of One Piece. In 2021, Paul was crowned Mr Gay England and went on to win the title of Mr Gay Europe in 2022. His career spans theatre, television, film, commercials, and modelling. Recently, Paul completed his third year performing in the revival of La Bohème at the Royal Opera House. Alongside his acting work, Paul has built a substantial social media following, using his platform to champion LGBTQ+ visibility and reach millions of viewers through his online content.
Promo Code QX20TX for £20 tickets.
Jerker runs from 26 September 2026 to 18 October 2026 at Waterloo East Theatre, Brad Street, London SE1 8TN, United Kingdom.
Creative Team:
- Director: Henry Adams
- Assistant Director / Intimacy Director: Alice Camarota
- Set, Costume, and Lighting Designer: Waterloo East Theatre
- Sound Designers: Henry Adams & Scott Michaels
- Company Stage Manager: To Be Announced
Produced by Adam Roebuck:
Recent works include Afterglow – UK Premiere at Southwark Playhouse and Waterloo East Theatre, and F**king Men – UK Revival at Waterloo East Theatre in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
