Historic film shown to a modern audience

A CLASSIC British film which was filmed in Barnsley will return to screens in the town next week – more than half a century after its release.

Shot in Barnsley in 1968, Ken Loach’s acclaimed

British drama Kes focuses on Billy Casper – played by Dai Bradley – a troubled working-class boy who attempts to break away from his bleak existence by taking up falconry, training a kestrel that he finds on a nearby farm.

In September, Cineworld opened its doors at the Glass Works, with actor Dai cutting the ribbon to officially open the cinema.

The new 2,000-seat cinema, dubbed Barnsley Council’s marquee signing for the scheme, boasts 13 screens.

Next Friday, a week-long series of screenings will take place, and Dai will also be giving a question-and-answer session afterwards.

Dai, who was a 14-year-old boy when he was invited to play Billy, said: “We are over 50 years on and all the people still feel that Kes has got such a powerful message.

“It’s important for Kes and the book it’s based on, A Kestrel for a Knave, to be brought to a modern audience because there will be thousands of Billy Caspers – some may be in that room, who just want to be heard and want someone to take an interest in them which could help them to flourish.”

Cineworld Barnsley’s general manager, Oli Cattanach, added: “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.”

Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said: “The addition of Cineworld completes the high quality leisure offer we have created in the Glass Works, complemented by exciting new places to eat, drink, shop and relax.

“A major ambition was to help us diversify the town centre offer and attract some of the very best high street brands. We are delighted and proud to have seen this really take shape over the last 12 months. This is the culmination of lots of hard work by council teams and our many partners and is a really exciting time for Barnsley town centre.”