LOVE and loss in the life of Rudyard Kipling is revealed in David Haig’s My Boy Jack at Kenilworth’s Talisman Theatre.
The year is 1914 and Kipling, who knows that a war with Germany to “settle the future of civilisation” must happen, wants his son, Jack, to enlist.
The play chronicles the effects of that decision to shoehorn Jack into the forces at all costs, on Jack himself, his mother, sister and on Kipling.
The story goes actor Haig was asked on several occasions if he realised his resemblance to Kipling. He was so intrigued he found himself becoming engrossed in Kipling’s life and works, eventually resulting in the play.
Directed by, Christine Carpenter, Kipling is played by Dave Crossfield with Julie Godfrey playing Kipling’s wife, Carrie, George Heynes as Jack and Isabella Nash as Elsie, Jack’s sister. P
Playing members of Jack’s Irish guards are Will Thomas, Martin Donaldson and Henri West. The cast is completed by John Francis and Simon Richards.
My Boy Jack runs from November 10 to 15. Visit www.talisman theatre.co.uk for tickets and further details.
* Ealing film classic The Ladykillers can be seen on Kenilworth Priory Theatre’s stage until November 15.
A sweet but eccentric old lady, Mrs Wilberforce, who is pitted against a gang of criminal misfits posing as amateur musicians. With only her parrot, General Gordon, to help her, Mrs Wilberforce is alone with five desperate men.
Visit www.priorytheatre.co.uk for further details.
