Jordan Luke Gage has written the book, music and lyrics for his first musical Redcliffe, which opened at Southwark Playhouse Borough in London on Friday 22nd May and runs until Saturday 4th July. Redcliffe is based on the true story of William Critchard and Richard Arnold, and Jordan stars in the musical as William opposite Daniel Krikler as Richard, and the musical previously had eight sold-out workshops at The Other Palace in 2024. Recently, Jordan answered our questions about writing his first musical Redcliffe, having the show open at Southwark Playhouse Borough in London until Saturday 4th July and starring as William Critchard opposite Daniel Krikler as Richard Arnold.
How would you describe the lead characters William and Richard in your new musical Redcliffe, which is currently running at Southwark Playhouse Borough in London?
William is an introverted wallflower who observes the world around him without a desire to be involved in it. He is sensitive and is going on a journey of self-discovery in a very tumultuous world. Richard, however, is charming, confident and lights up any room he’s in. He is also on a journey of self-discovery but manages to hide his insecurities and anxieties much better than William.
With the musical based on the true story of William Critchard and Richard Arnold, what encouraged you to write Redcliffe, and how has it been bringing the story to the stage?
For me, it was imperative to shine a light on this period of time and the experiences that gay men had to face. It’s a story that has never been told on the stage before, so I want it to serve as a reminder of how things used to be in this country, and how these things are still happening in places around the world. It’s an entertaining, beautiful, heart-warming and heartbreaking show with a powerful message of hope and acceptance that everyone can relate to.
How was it seeing the fan response to the eight sold-out workshop performances at The Other Palace in 2024, and how has the show developed over the last couple of years?
It was wonderful when the workshops sold out very quickly, as it showed there was a real intrigue about this piece of theatre. The response from audiences was extremely overwhelming back then, and it continues to be now that we have opened at the Southwark Playhouse. People are deeply affected by the show, and you can see afterwards how much it has changed people.
The feedback from audiences has been surreal for me as I’ve been living with this show alone for the last three years while I’ve been writing it. For the reaction to be overwhelmingly positive is all I could have dreamed of. The show has been through lots of changes since those workshops, specifically to the second act – I had some ironing out and chopping and changing to do to tell this story coherently and in a captivating manner.
How have you found the experience writing the script for your first musical and composing the musical numbers?
It’s been the hardest thing I’ve done writing Redcliffe, but also the most fulfilling. I’m not embarrassed to admit that I am obsessed with the show. It occupies a vast amount of my brain space and has done for these last few years, but I believe it has to be that way to create something of substance. You have to almost be addicted to the work.
During the writing process, I would wake up thinking about all the elements of the show and story – what’s working, which songs need changing, which lyrics need adjusting, whether the character arcs are fleshed out enough, or if this specific line is too explanatory. That obsession with the detail was all-encompassing and continues to be, but I want the show to be a success and to reach as many people as possible, so it has to be that way.
You are starring in the show as William, how is it taking on the role and how different are you finding this character to your previous shows?
William is so different to the roles I normally get to play. I tend to play characters who are on the front foot, charismatic, secure and bold, but William is none of these things. He is shy, vulnerable and overwhelmed by the world.
I’m having an unbelievably fulfilling time playing him and tapping into those parts of myself as a person because, it may surprise people, I am naturally an introvert in life; I’ve just learnt how to mask it. I adore William as a character. I love his quirks and his manner, how he holds himself and reacts in uncomfortable situations. The journey he goes on in the piece to find his strength is something that warms my heart every night.
What is it like performing opposite Daniel Krikler as Richard and with the rest of the cast?
Working opposite Daniel is a dream. He is so easy to create this relationship and chemistry with because he’s such an instinctively brilliant and exciting actor. He takes Richard to a place I didn’t even imagine him going to when I wrote it, which is a joy for a writer to witness.
We have a wonderful rhythm, understanding of each other and trust in each other on stage, so there is room to play within the realms of the piece and direction that Paul Foster wonderfully created.
As for the rest of the cast, I again couldn’t be happier. They are all incredibly talented, and their love for the show shines through every night and inspires me daily. Rebecca Lock, as Mother, is giving a performance of a lifetime and really needs to be witnessed. Jess Douglas-Welsh is gloriously natural and endearing as Abigail, and every member of the company has a moment to stand up and shine and exude such a great level of artistry. I’m in awe of them all!
Why would you recommend booking tickets to see Redcliffe, and who do you think the musical will appeal to?
Redcliffe truly is a show for everyone. It’s hilariously funny, deeply moving and will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. It will not only entertain you and amaze you, but it will perhaps educate and enlighten you too.
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