A celebrated retelling of a modern classic, available to watch internationally for the first time. The story of boy and bird - as originally told by Barry Hines, then Ken Loach - is retold in Jonathan Watkins' work through dance, music and puppetry, to create ‘a family-friendly Kes to rival War Horse’.

Set in a Yorkshire mining community, this film takes audiences on a journey with Billy Casper and his family. The young working-class boy troubled at home and at school, finds solace when he finds and trains a kestrel. As the beloved, Kes swoops and spins in the expansive freedom of the Barnsley countryside, Billy’s self-confidence begins to soar and boy and bird become one.

Initially premiering at Sheffield’s Crucible, the work was choreographed by award-winning Jonathan Watkins, who also created George Orwell’s modern classic 1984 for Northern Ballet- winner ‘Best Classical Choreography’ at The National Dance Awards (Critics Circle) 2016 and ‘Best New Dance Production’ at The South Bank Sky Arts Award, 2016. Kes is performed to new score by Alex Baranowski. The puppetry design and direction is by Rachael Canning. Set and costume design is by Ben Stones. Lighting is designed by Olivier award winner, Mark Henderson.

Filmed to coincide with the 50th-anniversary release of Ken Loach’s film Kes - itself adapted from the Barry Hines novel - A Kestrel for a Knave. Kes Reimagined was filmed in 2019 at Production Park, Wakefield produced by Martin Collins and directed by Emmy award winner, Ross MacGibbon.

********************************* FULL CAST & CREW

Billy - CHESTER HAYES Jud - TOBIAS BATLEY Mum - KRISTEN MCNALLY Mr Farthing- DOM CZAPSKI Mr Sugden- PHIL SNOWDEN Mr Gryce- ANTON SKRZYPICIEL Kes Puppetry and various roles- LAURA CARELESS Kes Kite and various roles- BARNABY MEREDITH

School Kid Company BRANDON BRERETON, DAVID STIRRUP, JONATHAN LAYTON, SPIKE KING, OLIVER STANTON, SUSANNAH NEAVE, EDIE MARRIAGE MASSEY, CHARLOTTE PAGE, EMMANUELLA SARPONG

Choreographer JONATHAN WATKINS Composer ALEX BARANOWSKI Set and Costume Designer BEN STONES Puppet Designer RACHAEL CANNING Projection Designer DANIEL DENTON Original Lighting Designer MARK HENDERSON Dramaturg RUTH LITTLE