News

Hive North have unveiled the full cast of Jock Night set to take to the stage at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester and Seven Dials Playhouse, London this Spring.

David Paisley will reprise his role from the 2023 run of Jock Night as Ben. David is best known for his role as midwife Ben Saunders in BBC1’s Holby City. A dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, he was honoured at the Attitude Pride Awards in 2021 for his contributions to diversity and inclusion.

Joining David will be Matthew Mitcham as Simon and James Colebrook, who will be stepping into the role of Russell. Matthew is a retired Australian diver and was the first openly gay athlete to win an Olympic Gold medal in 2008. Matthew’s screen credits include 2019’s The Pool and the 2021 film We All Lie in My Darlings. In 2023, Matthew made his UK stage debut in the London revival of Strangers in Between. Matthew is a proud ambassador of the charity Controlling Chemsex. James Colebrook most recently played the role of Shane in Game Night at London’s Wondervile Theatre following a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. James presents his own podcast, Bunny and the Beast, along with BGT semi-finalist Bunny Galore.

Eddie Ahrens and Gabriel Clark complete the cast, playing Kam and AJ, respectively. Originally from the Cotswolds, Eddie joins the cast fresh from back-to-back stints with the multi-award-winning Mikron Theatre Company. Gabriel Clark is known for playing Ollie Morgan on Channel 4's Hollyoaks, and is a co-founder of Switch_MCR. Gabriel recently co-wrote and directed the Offie Award Winning The Other Side, which made its debut at Manchester’s 53two in October 2022. He was recently selected as one of six artists in Lowry’s new artist development programme, Hothouse.

Adam Zane’s Jock Night is a raw, hilarious, and provocative comedy-drama about contemporary gay life, love, and relationships. First introduced as a short scene at Hope Mill Theatre in 2017 as part of Hive North's new-writing event OutStageUs, Jock Night was later developed into a one-act play that toured in 2019. In 2023, in association with Seven Dials Playhouse, it was expanded into a full-length production, earning two Offie Award nominations.

Jock Night explores the vibrant, world-famous Gay Village in Manchester and highlights thought-provoking issues in the LGBTQ+ community through the lens of comedy and compassion.

Reflecting on his role, Mitcham said: “When I was asked to audition for the role of Simon (the drug addict has-been) my first thought was ‘typecast’! But as I read the script, I realised that I could play any of the characters because I know all of them already. I’ve had many of their thoughts, feelings and struggles myself. That’s why I want to do this play.”

“I’m approaching my character Simon as a love letter to a couple of special friends I couldn’t help, and I’m hoping this play will leave a lasting impression where it’s needed most.”

Commenting on the full casting, Adam Zane, Artistic Director of Hive North, says,

“Bringing this new cast together has been an incredible journey. To welcome back David, whose performance in our last run resonated powerfully with audiences, is an utter joy. Introducing the phenomenal talents of Matthew, James, Eddie, and Gabriel will bring an exciting new energy to Jock Night. Each actor brings not only talent but lived experience, heart, and honesty – and I know they’ll take Jock Night to bold and brave new places. I’m incredibly proud of the ensemble we’ve built and can’t wait for audiences to experience their chemistry live on stage.”

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Hive North

Hive North is a Greater Manchester-based theatre company founded in 2004 as Hope Theatre Company. They produce original work that empowers audiences, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community. Hive North has a strong history of collaborating with emerging LGBTQ+ artists and encouraging their professional development. They tour productions to schools, festivals, and theatres across the UK and internationally, including Edinburgh Fringe and Dublin International Gay Theatre Festival. Hive North has a reputation for producing challenging and thought-provoking theatre, including the UK premiere of The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later, part of a global event broadcast live from New York.

Adam Zane, Artistic Director, Hive North

Adam is best known for his time as Dane in Channel 4's Queer as Folk as well as his wider TV and stage career. He was a lecturer and visiting director at the University of Salford for over 14 years, directed various productions, and was Artistic Director for the George House Trust Candlelit Vigil for Manchester Pride for over a decade. Adam is an experienced writer and dramaturg and has an M.A. in scriptwriting from the University of Salford. He is an Ambassador for the George House Trust. Adam is the founding director of Hive North and is passionate about work for and by the LGBTQ+ community.

Seven Dials Playhouse, Associate Producers

Seven Dials Playhouse is a creative hub for theatre makers and performers at all stages of their careers. Providing rehearsal space, artist development programmes, and curated performance opportunities, the venue champions innovation and excellence in live performance in the heart of London’s West End.