Writer: Barry Hines

Adaptor: Lawrence Till

Director: Kevin Shaw

Reviewer: Malcolm Wallace

The Public Reviews Rating:

Published in 1968, Barry Hines’ novel A Kestrel for a Knave has a continuing presence on the English Literature GCSE syllabus and remains an eternally popular story. A1969 film adaptation is held with great affection by film buffs and fans of the novel, but there is something deeply theatrical about the story and it is no surprise that it works exceptionally well on stage.

Lawrence Till’s stage adaptation was first performed in Sheffield in 1991 and has been performed regularly ever since. However, I challenge any production to match the quality of the new presentation currently playing at the Coliseum in Oldham.

The familiar story concerns troubled and socially awkward teenager Billy Casper as he battles through life against a dysfunctional family home, a difficult school life with teachers who have given up on him, and a lacking sense of belonging or clear aim in life. However, after claiming a baby Kestrel as his own, he finds solace and joy and a fleeting sense of direction as he successfully trains the bird and, for the first time, achieves something real.

Leading the cast of this super production is Adam Barlow who is phenomenal as Billy. Barlow’s range of emotion and his complex characterisation gives Billy a humanity and realism that banishes all memory of the film version and is deeply moving. In particular his final scenes are so perfectly pitched and so well acted that it is hard not to share his devastation at the shatteringly sad turn of events.

The supporting cast are all strong also. Paul Barnhill puts in a lovely and warm performance as Mr Farthing, the one teacher who recognises in Billy his potential and shows a kindly, but genuine, interest in the Kestrel. Jake Norton is a suitably vicious and vindictive Jud, Billy’s older brother and Meriel Scholfield plays Billy’s disinterested mother Mrs Casper with an evenly judged sense of selfishness and responsibility.

A set designed by Foxton fills the Coliseum stage and with different levels and sections that move in and out of place, creates the ideal backdrop for the story. There are also some good lighting effects by Thomas Weir that help to differentiate the outside scenes from indoor.

Director Kevin Shaw does a stunning job of filling the stage with local young people whose professionalism and contribution to the overall performance is to be commended.

Kes is a superb night in the theatre, a real reminder of what good theatre can be. Bravo to the Coliseum!

Photo: Ian Tilton – Runs until the 25th September

KES - Oldham Coliseum, 4.0 out of 5 based on 6 ratings

Tags: Adam Barlow, Barry Hines, Coliseum, Jake Norton, Kes, Kevin Shaw, Lawrence Till, Meriel Scholfield, Oldham, Paul Barnhill, Thomas Weir