Kes

A new adaptation of Barry Hines’ A Kestrel for a Knave, by adapted by Rob Evans

Press Reviews

  • "its flawless performances are beautifully facilitated by outstanding choreography by Janice Parker, careful lighting by Jeanine Davies and suitably emotive music by Danny Krass."
    Mark Brown: Sunday Herald
  • 'Gill Robertson's direction twists the play intricately making sure there is never a still moment.'
    James Harding: Edinburgh Evening News
  • '...a pair of deeply moving, meditative performances...the image of the distraught older man trying to save the unloved boy from a tragedy that will darken his life, is one that haunts the memory.'
    Joyce McMillan: The Scotsman
  • "Everything, from Karen Tennent’s junkyard of a set, to director Gill Robertson’s sure yet light touch, to Danny Krass’s soaring, lyric music makes this production for the over-10s fly with feeling. Look out for it on tour."
    Mary Brennan: The Herald
  • "Catherine Wheels’ production demonstrated, simply and effectively, how theatre can set a fire in young people’s imaginations. More, please"
    Jennie MacFie: Northings
  • "in its rich characterisation of disaffected youth finding escape and beauty in nature, it taps into something deep within us. And director Gill Robertson’s dense production does likewise, its horrors offset by poetic moments charting Billy’s keenly felt affinity with his hawk: all of it underscored by evocative filmed images of the countryside, a fine score by composer Danny Krass, and balletic choreographed reconstructions of the training regime Billy undertakes. The end result is both haunting and moving"
    Alan Chadwick: stv.com
  • 'Catherine Wheels have created a faithful adaption of Hines’ classic that's an absolute must- see for Kes lovers and the unacquainted alike.'
    James Corlett: The Journal
  • "Kes is yet another triumph from Catherine Wheels. Proving that theatre for a younger audience needn’t lose any of its strength or impact, their latest production soars with an emotional power which sweeps down and grabs the audience, yet never loses sight of its central themes of hope and salvation"
    Edinburgh Spotlight
  • 'Powerful, believable and beautifully choreographed... Kes is a sheer delight that celebrates Hines’ original novel and the young human spirit.'
    Amy Taylor: TV Bomb
  • East Lothian Courier: Preview
  • East Lothian Courier: Preview 2
  • 'Catherine Wheels Theatre Company is one of the country's leading producers of theatre for young people and children.'
    Lyndsey Cartwright: The Metro
  • Edinburgh Evening News: Preview
  • '...Pearson’s rendition of the troubled teenager is poignancy itself, while Murray switches from mum to brother to sports coach to shop keeper as if nothing is outside his range.'
    Kelly Apter: The List
  • Scotland on Sunday: Preview
  • The Herald: Preview Article
  • 'One of Scotland's finest theatre companies'
    The List: Preview
  • "The creative team, under Robertson’s taut direction has achieved a visually stunning play with film, sound and music to match, beautifully choreographed with strong physicality and seamless powerful performance"
    The Public Reviews
  • 'Evocative and haunting when at its best, this adaptation of Barry Hines’ novel A Kestrel For A Knave, for Catherine Wheels by writer Rob Evans and director Gill Robertson, is clearly told and easily comprehensible.'
    Thom Dibdin: The Stage

Audience Feedback

  • 'That was one of my top four favourite shows this year. It really captivated me...'

    Catherine Whymark (aged 10)
  • I have rearely, if ever, been so moved by a play. I thought the 2 actors were superb, not for one moment losing their roles. The pace was excellent, the set simple but so effective and the lighting appropriate. Absolutely first class, thank you.

    Hannah Lord
  • Wonderful, Imaginative, Inventive, Beautifully acted.

    Pat Hunter
  • 'I really enjoyed the show, we are studying it for GCSE drama, It is definately something I will enjoy writing about. It has everything in it an actor could want, so Thanks from everyone at Gordonstoun!'

    Rupert Atkins

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