Kes

Catherine Wheels’ latest play, a co-production with the Brunton Theatre, Kes, revives a national treasure at the Traverse. Adapted by Rob Evans from Barry Hines’ 1968 novel, A Kestrel for a Knave, and directed by Gill Robertson, the play depicts the trials and tribulations of Billy Casper. Billy is a Yorkshire youth who finds solace and a means to escape his working class surroundings by nurturing a Kestrel.

Set in the same era as the book, Kes follows Man (Sean Murray) as he revisits his childhood self, Billy (James Anthony Pearson) and relives a difficult adolecence marred by intimidation, neglect, the threat of the mines and the discovery and eventual loss of his beloved kestrel, Kes. Robertson’s adaption retains the social realism of the original whilst distancing the narrative from a specific time. Through Karen Tennent’s innovative staging the uncompromising environment of 1960s Yorkshire is invoked. Nevertheless, Billy’s story is redolent with universal notions of man subject to his environment.

Unique characterisation provides another dimension in casting Murray, as throughout the play he enacts a plethora of characters ranging from Billy’s tormenting brother, Jed, to parodically staunch teachers and most humorously, Billy’s negligent mother. It's a true delight to see Murray flit between these parts and the consummate authenticity in each delivery is a veritable testament to his talent. It's the part of the older Billy that Murray enacts – and not video projections of verdure - that give this production an extra dimension; the play is essentially a retrospective account of old Billy reacquainting his childhood counterpart. As such, an endearing nostalgia pervades with copies of The Beano, fish suppers and glass milk bottles distilling quintessential child delights. Catherine Wheels have created a faithful adaption of Hines’ classic that's an absolute must- see for Kes lovers and the unacquainted alike.