A True-Crime Thriller infused with a Live Americana soundtrack
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.
KENREX is the unbelievable true story of a community taking back control: a True Crime thriller with a high-octane live Americana soundtrack.
Aria Entertainment and Sheffield Theatres’ critically acclaimed KENREX will run at The Other Palace over Christmas 2025 until 1 February 2026 following sold-out runs at Sheffield Theatres’ Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse and Southwark Playhouse Borough earlier this year.
Co-written by Jack Holden (Olivier-nominated Cruise, Line of Beauty, Almeida) and Ed Stambollouian (Animal Farm, Royal & Derngate; Night School, Harold Pinter Theatre) who also directs, KENREX is a true crime thriller set to a foot-stomping live Americana soundtrack by award-winning composer and musician John Patrick Elliott.
The full creative team includes co-writers Jack Holden and Ed Stambollouian, original music writer and performed by John Patrick Elliott, direction by Ed Stambollouian, design by Anisha Fields; lighting and video design by Joshua Pharo; sound design by Giles Thomas, movement direction by Sarah Golding and production management by James Anderton.
Jack Holden (Marriage, BBC; War Horse, National Theatre) performs the one-person show, darting between characters in a high-octane blend of vocals, sound effects and song. He is accompanied on stage by John Patrick Elliott (recent album includes My Role in the Show), and directed by co-writer Ed Stambollouian (Animal Farm, Royal & Derngate; Night School, Harold Pinter Theatre).
Aria Entertainment said: “I am extremely proud that KENREX is having another outing in London. To work on this piece has been an incredible and rewarding experience and I can’t wait to bring it to more audiences”. Jack Holden and Ed Stambollouian said: “We are true crime fanatics and KENREX is an ode to the genre. We can’t wait to share this thrilling story with even more people.”
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.THEOTHERPALACE.CO.UK/KENREX
Instagram: @Kenrextheplay
Images above Jack Holden (c) Pamela Raith Photography
below John Patrick Elliott (c) Manuel Harlan
