Famed Yorkshire tale Kes swooping into Leeds venues after author Barry Hines' passing

A new production of Yorkshire classic Kes is launching at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, ahead of a tour of Leeds community venues.
Kes production images from West Yorkshire Playhouse.Kes production images from West Yorkshire Playhouse.
Kes production images from West Yorkshire Playhouse.

The play, adapted from Barry Hines’ famous 1968 novel A Kestrel for a Knave, will be performed at the Playhouse’s Courtyard Theatre until June 4.

The production comes months after the death of the Hoyland author at the age of 76.

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Performers will then tour the show at venues in Armley, Burmantofts, Gipton, Rothwell, Middleton, Seacroft, Chapeltown and Hawksworth Wood from June 7 to 18.

Artistic director James Brining said: “Generations have been moved by the plight of Billy Casper and the unlikely friendship between boy and bird and it’s down to the enduring power of Hines’ novel that it will continue to do so for generations to come.

“We’re proud to be putting Kes centre stage at West Yorkshire Playhouse and taking this production out to community venues across Leeds.”

Tickets cost up to £29 from 0113 2137700 or wyp.org.uk.