Released in 1969, Kes is a British movie that, once viewed, is not easily forgotten. Director Ken Loach cemented his raw, uncompromising style with his hard-hitting adaptation of Barry Hines' novel, the story of an isolated Barnsley boy and the pet falcon with whom he bonds.
Loach was lauded for his authentic sense of time and place, evoking a working-class community that is, by turns, compassionate and emotionally brutal. In the central role of the lonely Billy, young actor David Bradley stuns; along with his co-stars, he barely seems to be acting at times, such is Loach's knack for eliciting naturalism.
We're delighted to announce that Kes is coming home to Cineworld Barnsley this winter. From December 9th to the 15th, the cinema is hosting an exclusive screening of the beloved film.
To kick off the week of screenings, David will introduce the film on Friday December 9th at 7.30pm. He will also be giving an exclusive Q&A after the screening.
For several weeks now, Barnsley locals have been calling out for a special screening of the movie at their newly opened Cineworld cinema. In September of this year, Cineworld Barnsley opened its doors at The Glass Works, and David cut the ribbon to officially open the cinema to the people of his town.
Bradley, who was a 14-year-old boy from St. Helens school when he was invited to play Billy Casper, has been revisiting this memorable moment in his life, saying: “Here we are over 50 years on, and all the people still feel that Kes has got such a powerful message.”
As a Barnsley native with a passion for cinema, David is an ambassador for Cineworld Barnsley and was declared their first Unlimited member. He has been active in supporting the launch of his new local, remarking that this 13-screen cinema with IMAX, 4DX and ScreenX is “...just what Barnsley needed” and that “Cineworld has done us proud.”
Cineworld Barnsley’s General manager Oli Cattanach said “We are absolutely delighted to bring Kes back to the big screen 53 years after it was first played in cinemas. Kes was filmed in Barnsley, using a cast of real people from the community. There really is no better place to watch it, here in Barnsley, where it all began.”
You can book your tickets for Kes at Cineworld Barnsley here.
Find out more about the event in the following video as David stresses the life-changing impact of Kes and its significance in returning to Cineworld Barnsley.
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