
Kes
adapted for the stage by Robert Alan Evans
from the novel A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines
produced by the Jack Studio Theatre
directed by Kate Bannister
Press for Kes
It’s a beautiful piece of theatre. Subtle, engaging and deeply touching…This is the Jack team doing what they do best and once again producing a diamond. The cast are equally brilliant… This is a real treat. Heartfelt and elegant, it is yet further proof that the Brockley Jack is one of the best theatres in London. ★★★★★ Spy in the Stalls
in director Kate Bannister’s expert hands, this play is a mini-masterpiece. Simon Stallard is phenomenal as Billy… Rob Pomfret gives an astonishing performance… a pair of simply brilliant performances. Get a ticket while you can. Kes is a lovingly crafted production that is hard-hitting, hopeful and will make your heart soar. ★★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions
Kate Bannister, for the Brockley Jack, has done a fantastic job with this production of Kes. Karl Swinyard’s set is ingenious. The lighting design and sound of Ben Jacobs and Jack Barton are spot on. It really is a wonderful evening… the acting is exemplary as is the direction. The Brockley Jack can be enormously proud of this production. ★★★★★ London Pub Theatres
this production was absolutely spot on from start to finish. There was not a single aspect of Kes that didn’t work and the entire production captured the essence of the original and transferred it to the stage in an excellent and very realistic manner… at the end of seventy minutes my first thought was that I had seen a great show. ★★★★★ London Theatre1
This beautifully crafted adaptation of Barry Hines’ novel by Robert Alan Evans gets a terrific production by director Kate Bannister played out against a superb background of sound… This is as good as it gets in the theatre anywhere – a fringe triumph in every sense. ★★★★★ Reviewsgate
This is a show that takes the audience through the full gamut of human emotion, and boy, does it take flight. An incredibly watchable production. ★★★★ Lastminute Theatre Tickets
The theatre’s latest in-house production is, in fact, something of a masterclass in every sense: performance, design and direction all come together to tell a great story really, really well. 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Barry Hines’ novel, and I can think of no better way to mark the occasion than with this exquisite production. Theatre Things
Talented sound designer Jack Barton provides the intricate sound effects of a swinging lure and the swooping bird as a haunting auditory metonymy for Kes whilst Karl Swinyard’s set hints at Billy’s enclosed world… compelling and always atmospheric. British Theatre Guide
We pleased to announce that KES has received four Off West Nominations: Best Male Performance (Simon Stallard and Rob Pomfret), Best Director (Kate Bannister), and Best Production.
Creative Team
Presented by Jack Studio Theatre
Directed by Kate Bannister
Design by Karl Swinyard
Costume by Martin J Robinson
Lighting by Ben Jacobs
Sound by Jack Barton
Assistant Director Laurel Marks
Cast
Rob Pomfret & Simon Stallard