It’s not often tickets start selling for a theatre show in October already but a new local production team is proving a force to be reckoned with.
The show is KES, a retelling of the iconic film, and the team behind it are Zoe Crowson the founder of The Phoebe Research Fund and partner Coronation Street star Steven Arnold.
Together they’ve set up a theatre production company called Psychotastic Productions and are bringing KES to the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre on October 26 and 27.
They intend to create further quality shows in future and pledge that 25% of all profits from every production will go towards supporting The Phoebe Research Fund. Zoe’s daughter Phoebe suffers from RDRB, a dreadful condition which sounds heartbreaking to cope with, but Zoe is determined to do more.
After years in Corrie like many soap actors Steven found it hard to be given the opportunity to do fresh work so in the end he created his own play to show people he was more than a TV character and break out of the mould of playing Ashley. KES will now be his 26th stage show since leaving the Street with previous performances including Chaplin and Accrington Pals.
Kes was an iconic film from 1970 about a teenage boy training and befriending a kestrel. The stage adaptation will feature Steven playing eight different characters alongside another actor who’ll play the younger Billy Casper.
Steven told ESP that KES is a story close to his heart – “The lead character Billy Casper was like every lad in the north and I could really relate to it and associate with how they were. My dad was really into birds and I could relate to myself growing up – it was such a funny film and it brought back lots of happy memories.
“They’re really good characters in the play – as an actor there are so many opportunities to show your range and what you’re capable of,” Steven enthused. “I’ve done these multi part shows before and you have to really change the physicality of the characters – it’s such a challenge but it’s very entertaining and fast paced.”
Steven is delighted to be working with director David Crowley who works mainly within theatre and TV and was also associate director at West Yorkshire playhouse.
“I’ve worked with David Crowley before and he just blew me away, he’s so talented so we’re really pleased to have him on board and know it’s safe in his hands.”
Zoe and Steven have decided to set up the production company so that it hopefully grows over the years, but at the moment they’re seeking vital sponsorship to get the show off the ground.
“The response from local businesses has been phenomenal,” said Steven. “If we pull this off there’s every opportunity it could go national. It’s been fantastic that people are booking already and every ticket counts with 25% going directly to Phoebe Research for RDRB sufferers.”
Zoe is producing the show and is ensuring the smooth running of the production. Anyone wanting to advertise in the programme please contact Zoe on 07718 071645.
For tickets please visit www.stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.