A WELL-LOVED book and film is being brought to life on Portland.

Kes will be performed at the Royal Manor Theatre in Fortuneswell, Portland, from Monday, October 6, for six nights.

From the classic novel A Kestrel for a Knave, this new adaptation explores the world of Billy, the central character from Ken Loach’s 1969 film Kes.

The play is adapted by Robert Allen Evans from the novel by Barry Hines.

Billy, age 15, sees no future ahead but the bleak prospect of working in the mines, like his brother before him.

Kes tells the story of a day in the life of Billy and of how his love for a fellow-creature, his tame kestrel, brings him joy, hope and despair in his search for an escape from his seemingly inevitable future.

The play explores Billy’s flight from the confines of his existence, his soaring into a world of dreams and potential, and the heartache and joy that come with the tragedy and comedy of life.

Starring Craig Ballard as Billy and Mark Sampson-Vincent playing multiple roles as the many characters who influence Billy’s life, this exciting and imaginative production is guaranteed to bring the audience to tears and laughter, and to remind us all of the need to dream, to love and to live every moment of life to the maximum.

Kes features a stunning original soundtrack by Matt Swinhoe of 68:11.

The production will be performed from Monday, October 6 to Saturday, October 11 inclusive.

Each evening the show will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets are sold in pairs, meaning that buying one will give you another for free.

Each pair of tickets will cost £8 and can be purchased right now, from Danny’s in Fortuneswell, or Cards & Celebrations in Easton.

Alternatively, tickets can be bought online at rmtcportland.co.uk.

Telephone bookings can also be made by calling 0333 666 3366.

Telephone and internet reservations are processed by Ticket Source on behalf of the Royal Manor Theatre.