News: Cruise releases single “Rhythm of Us” featuring Jack Holden and Jamie Lambert – listen now

Upcoming West End show Cruise has released a single ahead of its world premiere at the Duchess Theatre from 18 May to 13 June. “Rhythm of Us” features vocals from Jack Holden and Jamie Lambert.

Cruise is written and performed by Holden in a bold, one-man journey that features live music. It marks one of the first shows to reopen in London’s theatreland following closures in March 2020.

“Rhythm of Us” is written and recorded by the show’s composer John Elliot, and is a love note to synth-style 80s pop tunes. He said, “With “Rhythm of Us” I was trying to tap into that iconic mix of heartbreak and euphoria that so much of the best 80s dance floor music has. Those tunes that take loss and pain and wrap them up in delicious beats and melodies that you just can’t help but dance to. I wanted this track to have that cathartic feeling of release and celebration amidst the sorrow of losing someone. Like Michael says in the play, “Turning heartbreak and anxiety into physical liberation / That’s the power of music, that’s the power of dance!”

Cruise marks the West End debut as a playwright for Holden and for theatre producers Katy Lipson and Lambert Jackson, and is an urgent, timely new play that brings to life 1980s Soho. A kaleidoscopic musical and spoken word tribute to the veterans of the AIDs crisis, it is a much-needed celebration of queer culture based on a true story Holden was told whilst volunteering for LGBTQ+ Listening Service, Switchboard.

The production is directed by Bronagh Lagan, with music performed live by Elliot. Creative team includes Elliot (composer, performer and sound design), camera and editor Jack Hextall, set and costume designer Nik Corrall, lighting designer Jai Morjaria and movement by Sarah Golding, with additional sound design by Max Pappenheim.

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