Back in the summer of 2021, Jack Holden and John Patrick Elliott set the theatrical world alight with Cruise, bursting onto the scene to critical acclaim and gaining an Olivier Award nomination in the process. The pair have teamed up again along with co-writer Ed Stambollouian as KENREX debuts at Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse in Sheffield.

KENREX tells the story of the true crimes, that are perhaps unknown to most, in the small town of Skidmore, Missouri in 1981. We meet David Baird (Holden) who has just arrived as the district attorney as he recalls the events of notorious town bully Kenrex McElroy. Kenrex had tormented the people of Skidmore for years until they decided that enough was enough and took matters into their own hands. Part western, part true crime with a live Americana soundtrack, KENREX asks the audience to question morals and social injustices.

The Playhouse theatre is designed so that the audience are brought close to the action in this intimate space and Anisha Field’s design truly encapsulates this. At first glance the space feels relatively simple yet it is anything but. This also allows Holden to shine in his own right without being overwhelmed with vast stage design. Through Stambollouian’s direction, we are taken deep into the mother of the west through a variety of locations, ranging from intimate spine chilling 911 calls to the carnivalesque ‘The Punkin Show’. Each scene feels authentic, purposeful and insightful to life in Missouri.

Giles Thomas’ sound design elevates the script beyond what we see on stage. Using surround sound to great effect making the audience feel even closer to the action and immersing us in Skidmore life further. Clever trickery within the sound design allows the audience to truly believe the personalities of Skidmore and the trials and tribulations they are faced with. With a vast amount of microphones used on stage, each with differing audio enhancements, this helps convey the vastly eccentric range of characters we meet and once again highlights the intricacies of this production.

Joshua Pharo’s video and lighting design further adds to this. Impactful and striking, at times catching you off guard like something straight out of a big budget country western film. Pharo uses lighting cues to indicate a shift in rhythm which is also used to great effect helping the audience differentiate between characters whilst also building tension to atmospheric heights. An American style billboard is used sparingly, mainly indicating chapter headings indicating what is to come which adds yet another layer to this complex but thrilling piece of theatre.

Whilst the piece is billed as a ‘one man show’, it is without a doubt almost a ‘duet’ with musician and composer John Patrick Elliot who joins Holden in the piece. Similar in vein if not in style to Cruise, Elliot doesn’t directly interact with Holden whilst on stage but acts as the ‘soundtrack’ to the piece, yet is so much more. Throughout, he plays a magnitude of instruments and displays incredible vocals. His compositions cover a wide range of genres with the country-western undertones prevalent throughout. Elliot once again proving what an exceptional talent he is.

Speaking of exceptional talents, this is only matched by an unquestionable star turn by Jack Holden. With over thirteen thousands words spoken whilst on stage, simply put, this is a masterclass in his craftsmanship displaying a performance that must be seen. KENREX demands an unequivocal level of stamina and physicality due to the vast range of characters in the piece which Holden has captured superbly. Each character is brought to life with unique nuances and through physical theatre with each character distinct in the audience’s mind as Holden switches effortlessly between the personalities. The writing by Holden and Stambollouian ensures that audiences are gripped throughout and on the edge of their seat. Each character is brought to life in a detailed and scintillating way that lingers in the audience’s mind yet hard to fathom how they are all played by just one extraordinary person, Holden.

KENREX really does fire on all cylinders and this is surely only the start of this incredible piece of work’s life. Remarkable storytelling by a cast and creative team oozing with creativity, ambition and undeniable talent. They say lightning never strikes twice but once again, Holden and Elliot have a sure-fire hit on their hands.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Jordan Potts

KENREX plays at the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse until 16 November, with further info here.