TL;DR
- Ben Platt returns to London for Midnight at the Never Get.
- The musical features a queer love story set in 1965 New York.
- Platt reflects on the importance of LGBTQ+ representation.
- He shares his excitement about performing in London.
- The show highlights the urgency of queer narratives.
For someone who has already conquered Broadway, Hollywood, and the pop charts, Ben Platt remains surprisingly hungry for firsts. This summer, he’s setting his sights on London with a return to the stage in Midnight at the Never Get, a smoky new musical that promises to dazzle audiences with its poignant queer love story set against the backdrop of 1965 New York.
After a sold-out run of The Last Five Years alongside Rachel Zegler, Platt is ready to embrace this new chapter. “It’s one of those experiences where everything aligned and it really went beautifully,” he says, reflecting on his previous success. But now, he’s about to step into a role that hits much closer to home.
In Midnight at the Never Get, Platt gets to play a queer leading role, a rarity that he cherishes. He describes the emotional impact of the story, crafted by his friend Mark Sonnenblick, as it explores the complexities of love in a time of societal repression. “As a queer person, to tell a story where that love is treated with the same romantic, old-school theatrical sweep that heterosexual stories often get was so moving and exciting to me,” he shares.
When asked about the significance of queer narratives in today’s world, Platt emphasizes their urgency. “That specificity and universality go together beautifully. The stakes become exponentially higher when love can be a matter of life and death,” he explains. This sentiment resonates deeply, especially as discussions around LGBTQ+ rights continue to evolve.
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Audiences in London, according to Platt, bring a unique energy that he finds refreshing. “There’s a balance of attentiveness and respectfulness, but still rowdy enthusiasm,” he notes, contrasting it with the sometimes unruly nature of New York crowds. He appreciates the deep respect for theatre embedded in British culture, making it a dream come true to perform there.
As he prepares for his London debut, Platt expresses gratitude for the opportunity to inspire younger LGBTQ+ fans. “I would hope young queer people coming to see this will feel seen and feel like it’s something we can all recognize ourselves in,” he says, highlighting the importance of representation in the arts.
Returning to London feels like a full-circle moment for Platt, who grew up admiring the city’s vibrant theatre scene. He’s eager to share this new piece with audiences, inviting them to be part of the journey of discovery. Midnight at the Never Get promises to be a celebration of love, resilience, and the beauty of queer storytelling.
Tickets for Midnight At The Never Get at the Menier Chocolate Factory are on sale now. Don’t miss your chance to witness Ben Platt shine in this groundbreaking role!