Lawrence Till’s adaptation of Kes, the play based on Barry Hines’s novel A Kestrel for a Knave, will be the second professional produced show at Derby Theatre.
Sarah Brigham will direct her first show since becoming the theatre’s artistic director.
Set in the 1960s, Kes is the story of Billy who dares to break free from the hardship, coal dust and bullying he endures from both family and teachers to realise his ambition of hope and freedom through his kestrel, Kes.
Sarah Brigham said, “I’m delighted to be bringing this classic tale to the audiences of Derby.
“It’s a story of one boy’s hope and ambition against an incredibly tough landscape and I think it chimes very much with our times. It’s a great story with great drama within it and I hope our audiences will enjoy it.”
Derby Theatre will be looking for 11- to 17-year-olds to play Billy’s classmates. Auditions will be held on Sunday 16 June.
For more information contact head of learning Caroline Barth at [email protected].
Kes will run from Friday 13 September until Saturday 5 October.