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Jordan Stephens is making the jump from music to theater, tapping into the Young Vic‘s Main House for his stage debut in Joe Orton’s “Entertaining Mr. Sloane.”
The Rizzle Kicks frontman will tackle the title role in the 1963 queer cult classic, running Sept. 15-Nov. 8 and directed by Young Vic topper Nadia Fall. Stephens will be supported by seasoned stage vets Tamzin Outhwaite, Daniel Cerqueira and Christopher Fairbank in the production.
Orton’s play follows the story of lonely Kath (Outhwaite) who offers mysterious Mr. Sloane (Stephens) a room to rent in the family home, despite her businessman brother Ed’s (Cerqueira) initial disapproval. As Ed becomes equally taken with the charismatic young Sloane, only their old father (Fairbank) remains wary, convinced he recognizes the stranger. What begins as a convenient living arrangement spirals into a dangerous game of desire and deceit.
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Stephens has been steadily building his acting resume with television series including “The Ex-Wife” for two seasons, “Starstruck” and “Catastrophe,” and films such as “Teen Spirit” and “Star Wars: Rogue One.” He also hosted ITV2’s “Don’t Hate The Playaz” for four seasons.
Beyond entertainment, Stephens has been vocal about mental health awareness, with his #IAMWHOLE campaign reaching over 120 million people online and earning recognition in the Houses of Parliament.
“Jordan Stephens is an artistic polymath, from writing and screen to music and his campaigning,” Fall said. “I’m incredibly excited to be directing his stage debut. He has the ear of a new generation who will be discovering Orton for the first time through Jordan’s Sloane, the thought of that is simply thrilling.”
Stephens added: “I love the young Vic and feel incredibly grateful to have this opportunity. I’m terrified and excited. I couldn’t have imagined my stage debut arriving in this way. With such an iconic, wicked play and under the certified guidance of Nadia Fall. As well as stage veterans in Tamzin, Daniel and Chris. What an honor.”
The move comes as Stephens rides high from Rizzle Kicks’ comeback tour following a nine-year hiatus. The duo recently played Glastonbury and other major festivals.
The production is backed by The Charlotte Aitken Trust, with the Young Vic’s programming supported by Arts Council England funding.
