Kes (Oldham)

Kes is the story of Billy Casper; the unusual kid in the class with an active imagination who is bullied by half brother Jed, largely ignored by his mother and constantly teased at school. With little interest in school and few friends, Billy tames a Kestral and strikes up a strong bond with the bird. Desperate to escape his inevitable fate of working down the pit, Billy takes great pleasure from watching his bird fly free and respond to his commands.

Fantastically acted throughout, this delightful story is brought to life in a charming and effective manner and is at home on the Coliseum’s stage. Adam Barlow really captures Billy’s somewhat miserable existence with the right amount of tenderness, passion and emotion whereas Jake Norton’s Jud is dark, menacing and intimidating.
 
An incredibly hardworking set designed by Foxton is put to great use and allows the performers to make the best use of the space and facilitates the many set changes effectively. And a playground fight scene is greatly enhanced by a 24 strong young supporting cast who are put to great use throughout. 

This is a thoroughly entertaining and staging of Lawerence Till‘s adaptation of Barry Hines’ A Kestral for a Knave that soars at the Coliseum.

– Ruth Lovett