Musician, actor, and outspoken mental health advocate Jordan Stephens is all set for the very first stage experience this fall, stepping into the world of live theater with his debut in Joe Orton’s scandalous and sharply subversive Entertaining Mr. Sloane at the Young Vic.
Stephens, who is best known as one half of the chart-topping duo Rizzle Kicks will play the title role in Orton’s 1963 queer cult classic, with the production running from 15 September to 8 November. The revival is helmed by Young Vic artistic director Nadia Fall, and backed by The Charlotte Aitken Trust, with support from Arts Council England.
Set in a lonely English household, Entertaining Mr. Sloane tells the story of Kath (played by Tamzin Outhwaite) who invites the mysterious and charming Mr. Sloane (Stephens) into her home as a lodger. But Kath’s businessman brother Ed (played by Daniel Cerqueira) soon finds himself just as drawn to the young stranger, while their elderly father (veteran actor Christopher Fairbank) remains suspicious, claiming to recognize Sloane from a darker past. What begins as domestic convenience quickly unravels into a twisted power play of seduction, secrecy, and survival.
Stephens, who’s recently been expanding his acting resume with roles in The Ex-Wife, Starstruck, Catastrophe, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, said the opportunity feels surreal.
“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,” added Stephens.
Nadia Fall expressed equal enthusiasm, calling Stephens a rare talent with wide cultural reach. “Jordan Stephens is an artistic polymath, from writing and screen to music and his campaigning,” said Fall. “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,” said Fall.
Beyond entertainment, Stephens has long been a voice for mental health awareness. His #IAMWHOLE campaign has reached more than 120 million people online and even garnered attention in the Houses of Parliament.
The announcement comes as Stephens rides the high of Rizzle Kicks’ recent reunion tour, which saw the duo return to major festival stages including a buzzy appearance at Glastonbury after a nine-year hiatus.
With a provocative script, a stellar ensemble, and an electric lead stepping into the spotlight, Entertaining Mr. Sloane promises to be one of the Young Vic’s most talked-about productions this season.
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