Cruise

1988. Soho. His last night on earth.

The intoxicating, vibrant CRUISE is the true story of what should have been Michael Spencer’s last night on earth, performing live for a strictly limited season at the Duchess Theatre from 18 May to 13 June. Following the phenomenal success of Channel4’s It’s a Sin, CRUISE is a celebration of life, queer culture and survival - this is the uplifting and inspirational theatrical event of summer 2021.

When he's diagnosed with HIV in 1984, Michael is told he’ll have four years to live - at most. So, with the clock ticking, he and his partner Dave decide to sell their house, flog the car, and spend everything they have to party like it’s the last days of Rome. When Dave dies two years later, Michael doubles down on his hedonistic ways, spending what little he has on drink and drugs.

On the last night of his four year countdown - the 29th February, 1988 - Michael decides to go out with a bang. He puts on his favourite jacket, heads for Soho, and embarks on a long night of farewells. He says his goodbyes, dances, sings, and says yes to everything and everyone. Then, with all his affairs taken care of, Michael promptly… survives.

Michael got lucky. He's been given the gift of life; but what kind of life can he now live?

Written and performed by Jack Holden (War Horse, West End; Ink, Almeida Theatre) CRUISE is a celebration of queer culture; a kaleidoscopic musical and spoken word tribute to the veterans of the AIDs crisis; an urgent piece of theatre, with an irresistible 80s soundtrack, which will make you laugh, make you cry, and which inspires us all to live every day as if it’s our last.

Directed by Bronagh Lagan and featuring an uplifting electronic soundtrack performed live by John Elliott.

Important Information

Recommended for 16+. 

Please note: that this venue will offer available seats based on social distancing. Once seats are booked, availability alters to reflect new socially distant seats. If you receive an error and are unable to confirm your seats please select alternatives as your original choice may no longer be socially distanced from neighbouring bookings.

You will receive an email to confirm your booking with us. 48 hours before performance you will receive a pre-visit email from the venue including a link to check in. You will be required to confirm that no members or your party have Covid-19 symptoms. After check-in your eticket will be sent to you by the venue within 24 hours. Once in the venue you will be required to wear a face covering and you will have your temperature checked.

Please note that social distancing will be in place at this venue. In rare cases this may necessitate us contacting you in order to amend your seat details in line with social distancing requirements. 

Performance Times

Now taking bookings for performances from Tue 18th May 2021 until Sun 13th June 2021.

Show times for each day are below.

Duchess Theatre Details

Facilities at Duchess Theatre

Duchess Theatre Location

Please note: The location shown on the map is an approximate location of the theatre. In the majority of cases the theatre will be marked on the map so please make sure you locate the exact location yourself. If the theatre is not shown on the map please make sure you locate the correct road name and take account of the directions.