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Kenrex

 
Paul T. Davies Review by Paul T. Davies 5 Published: 12 Dec 2025 The Other Palace Show Dates: 25 Dec 2024-1 Mar 2026

Small town America, a place called Skidmore to be exact, where nothing much happens. Or nothing much is supposed to happen. Until the arrival of the bully, Ken Rex McElroy, and his reign of terror over the residents of the town. Despite being indicted 21 times, McElroy was convicted only once due to the twisted skills of his defence lawyer Gene McFadin. Until the citizens couldn’t take any more and, after a night of terrifying violence and intimidation whilst McElroy was released on bail, the citizens took matters into their own hands. This gripping true-life story is brought to powerful life by an excellent creative team, with every moment gripping the audience from the outset. Told in the form of evidence given by county prosecutor David Baird, the stage pulses with energy and movement. The music by composer and onstage musician John Patrick Elliott pounds through the seats, building the tension up to breaking point.

A full bloodied synergy of creative talent that grips the audience from the outset

Performer and co-writer Jack Holden (written with Ed Stambollouian) brings every single character to life, not just the passing-through residents, but the lead characters of McElroy, McFadin and Baird, not just performing the roles but inhabiting them. It is a tour de force, his chameleon-like physicality making each character clear. As McElroy, he bends his body and lowers his voice deep into the bass. Then there is a flamboyance to McFadin that is cheeky and funny, whilst Baird tries to be the honest everyman, believing in the power of the law and decency. There are so many strong scenes, but when McElroy crashes the annual Punkin Show and seduces the singer of the national anthem, Tirena, and sets out his intentions, the scene is given extra chill by the fact she was 14. Becoming his wife, it’s almost as if the town sacrificed her hoping the Monster would be stilled, but speaking against him led to terrible violence. This production is the perfect synergy of performer, musician, lighting and sound. It is an ultimate example of theatrical storytelling.

I didn’t expect to see the play of the year in December, I thought my mind was set, but here it is, smashing every high standard. The direction by Stambollouian is superbly paced, giving urgency yet also space for tension to grow and breathe. It observes classical theatricality, powerful storytelling enhanced by simple techniques that bring home the story. When the residents remain silent, Holden unplugs the microphones; it’s that simple and effective. Surpassing even their production of Cruise in 2021, this team deserve to win every award going.

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The Blurb:

‘911, what’s your emergency?’‘My husband… they shot him… they all did.’

July 10th, 1981, Missouri. Smalltown bully, Ken Rex McElroy rules Skidmore with an iron fist. His ten year reign of terror has involved theft, intimidation, assault, abduction and attempted murder but, thanks to his slippery defence attorney and the rusty cogs of the American justice system, Ken has never spent a night behind bars.

But, when Ken shoots pillar of the community, greengrocer Bo Bowenkamp and leaves him for dead, the good folk of Skidmore decide that enough is enough. If the courts won’t bring Ken to heel, they will.

Direct from an acclaimed run at Sheffield Theatres, receiving 5-star reviews from The Daily Telegraph and WhatsOnStage, KENREX is the unbelievable true story of a community taking back control — part True Crime, part Western, with a foot-stomping live Americana soundtrack.

From the Olivier-nominated creators of Cruise, comes a bold new theatrical event that grips like your favourite True Crime box set – raw, relentless and impossible to look away!

Trigger warnings: This production contains haze, flashing lights, strobe lighting, loud noises, gunshot sound effects, depiction of physical violence and death, strong language, and references to grooming, rape, sexual and physical abuse.