Soap favourite David Paisley (Holby City) has been cast in Adam Zane’s bold new comedy-drama Jock Night. Produced by Hive North with Seven Dials Playhouse, this is a unique exploration of contemporary gay life and relationships. The play unfolds over a year of wild nights in Manchester’s vibrant Gay Village. Paisley’s character, Ben, is a Victoria Wood enthusiast in his forties, striving to find love amidst a culture of casual encounters and chemsex. The play peels back the veneer of modern gay culture, casting a light on mental health and using comedy to highlight provocative issues within the LGBTQ+ community. Paisley’s stage work includes Life According to Saki, which won the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Award and toured to Broadway in 2017. Paisley, who returns to the stage for the first time since 2019, told QX, “I am absolutely ecstatic to be a part of Jock Night, an unapologetically queer exploration of contemporary gay life and the complexities of friendships, sex and relationships. Adam Zane’s script is hilarious, cuttingly honest, and thought-provoking, and I feel honoured to bring the character of Ben to life.” Russell T. Davies calls the show “a razor-sharp skewering of modern gay life, but done with compassion, intelligence, and hope.” Jock Night is rooted in the lived experiences of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community. Although the play is a piece of fiction, much of the content is based on actual events that have happened to the people who have shared their stories with writer-director Adam Zane. Adam is the Artistic Director of Hive North; he told QX, “We are thrilled to have the hugely talented David Paisley take on the role of Ben, a character still considering his path in life. David has been a champion for our community for over a decade, advocating for important LGBTQ+ issues and ensuring our collective voice resonates.” David Paisley was honoured for contributing to diversity and inclusion at the Attitude Pride Awards in 2021. Tickets are available at the event’s website, shown below.