Midlands: KES. To 15th November
Newcastle-under-Lyme
KES
by Barry Hines adapted by Lawrence Till
New Vic Theatre To 15 November 2003
Runs: 2hr 20min. One interval
TICKETS: 01782 717962
Review: Ranjit Khutan: 24 October 2003
An excellent production where hankies should definitely be to the ready. Lawrence Till loses nothing in his stage version of Barry Hines' novel 'A Kestrel for a Knave' (notably filmed by Ken Loach). Gwenda Hughes creates a seamless production that flows effortlessly from reality to dream sequences allowing us to experience the full impact of Billy Casper's troubles and problems in the space of one day.
The harsh reality of a northern mining town and impending doom of work in the local mines, is reflected in the drab set: three disks, dusty and dirty - perhaps representing mineshafts - and a minimal use of other props, like the ladder which Billy scales trying to reach 'Kes'. The bird which is symbolic of his future and his desire to get out of this pit of despair.
Billy is pulled and pushed from every angle he hasn't anyone to fight his corner until Mr Farthing takes an interest in his Kestrel and hooks onto the potential that others cannot see. Clive Llewellyn plays this endearing and inspirational role with passion and confidence.
Paul Barnhill's Jud is also played well. Strong and focussed, he's a bully caring only for himself, having no time for Billy, the young brother who runs his errands to the bookies and makes sure he gets to bed when he's drunk.
Michael Hugo is well suited for the role of Billy, not only in physical stature and appearance but also in his control of the subtleties, which are suggested in his dialogue and his actions on stage. However, at times he had an unfortunate tendency to sound like Norman Wisdom.
The cast have fun with the piece and it is clear from their performances that they are enjoying the humour as much as we are moving from playing children to adults in a convincing manner. The scene where the children are waiting outside Mr Gryce's office is particularly funny and well delivered by all the players.
There is no doubt that the climax of the play is the most moving Michael Hugo's final monologue is delivered with heartfelt passion and timing that plays with everyone's heartstrings.
In this everything about Billy's troubles are brought to the fore, which also encourages us as onlookers to reflect back to our own realities. An excellent production where hankies should definitely be to the ready.
Jud: Paul Barnhill
MacDowall: Daniel Harcourt
Billy: Michael Hugo
Anderson: Malcolm James
Mr Farthing: Clive Llewellyn
Mr Gryce: Ged McKenna
Miss Fenton: Heather Phoenix
Tibbut: Joseph Raishbrook
Mr Sugden: Peter Rylands
Mrs Casper: Connie Walker
Director: Gwenda Hughes
Designer: Lis Evans
Lighting: Daniella Beattie
Sound: James Earl-Davis
Music: James Earl-Davies, Russell Gregory
Voice Coach: Mark Langley
Fight director: Kate Waters
2003-10-31 13:51:58