
Can’t Wait To Leave
written and directed by Stephen Leach
presented by 1912 Productions
Meet Ryan.
19 (but young for his age).
School drop-out (but smart).
Turkey sandwich enthusiast (365 days a year).
Absolute stunner (no addendum).
He’s new in town, and all he wants to do is check out. The hard part is coming up with an exit plan.
When the one person he thought he could rely on ups and leaves, Ryan finds himself adrift in a city he still hasn’t learned to like, looking for direction. Six months to kill, no money, no rules… surely this is the worst possible time to be alone?
That’s when he meets Richard, who seems to have all the answers…
A solo performance exploring social isolation in young people and adolescent bisexual identity, Can’t Wait To Leave is set in an A&E waiting room and told by a young man named Ryan, who reflects on the course his life has taken over the past six months. The production had an initial run at Waterloo East Theatre in 2023 and subsequently ran at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe the same year, where it was praised by critics and audiences, receiving a slew of highly positive reviews and sell-out performance. This production comes to the Jack as part of a national tour.
Performance on 6th November be BSL interpreted.
Supported by Arts Council England
Press for this production
‘A great debut [and] a fabulous narrative… Can’t Wait To Leave is tender, enthralling, energetic, shocking’ ★★★★★ Bookmarks and Stages
‘a superbly written and performed piece of theatre’ ★★★★ Lastminute Theatre Tickets‘An intelligent performance [with] excellent presence and energy which doesn’t let up… it’s an impressive portrayal of somebody who knows they want to leave, but doesn’t know where they want to go.’ ★★★★ Theatre & Tonic
‘Hawkins gives his all to this performance and barely misses a beat… This is a show that has been written, directed and acted with a high level of understanding and care.’★★★★ Broadway Baby
‘A highly accomplished monologue… [and] there’s plenty to laugh at.’ ★★★★The Quintessential Review
OffFest nominated 2023
2023 DarkChat Awards finalist (Best Actor, Best Play, Best Solo Show)
Creative Team
Can’t Wait To Leave
Written and directed by Stephen Leach
Co-director: Mimi Collins
Photography: Max Caine
Presented by 1912 Productions
Cast
Ryan: Zach Hawkins
Voiceover: Zoe Boyd and Joe Idris-Roberts












