Clayton and Shane Jacobson’s much-loved film which has now been adapted for the stage by Steve Rodgers, KENNY will premiere at the Ensemble Theatre this January as part of the 2021 Sydney Festival.
“We are delighted this play is an Ensemble Theatre commission and part of the Sydney Festival,” said Artistic Director, Mark Kilmurry, who is also directing KENNY. “I was thrilled when Clayton Jacobson gave his permission to adapt for the stage as KENNY is close to many people’s hearts.”
“KENNY is the fearless Aussie plumber who looks for the best in every situation. I am thrilled to be working with Ben Wood who will play the irreverent and self-deprecating Kenny and delighted Stevie Rodgers said yes to adapting the script for the stage.”
“It is very exciting to be opening our theatre doors with such an iconic and well -loved character,” said Kilmurry.
When your work can’t get any lower your expectations can only soar. A knight in shining overalls, Kenny is proud of his work, despite his Dad’s harsh judgements and the ignorant members of the public who take him for granted.
In this classic riff on decency, Kenny’s off-beat humour and wide-eyed wonder at life’s possibilities are an inspirational reminder that all that glitters is not necessarily gold…
“When Mark came to me with the idea of adapting KENNY, my mind immediately shot back to my experience seeing the film over ten years ago, and the enormous heart of the character and story,” said Steve Rodgers.
“In our current age, so beholden to aspirational values, KENNY is an antidote to that win at all costs mentality, claiming decency and dignity as true measures of what it means to live a good life.”
“Kind of like a Ted talk, come and hear KENNY talk about the types of work too many of us turn up our noses at. It’ll be warm, funny, and an education in sanitation,” said Rodgers.
Director: Mark Kilmurry Featuring: Ben Wood Assistant Director: Warwick Doddrell Set & Costume Designer: Simone Romaniuk Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper Composer & Sound Designer: Nate Edmondson Video Designer: Mic Gruchy Stage Manager: Erin Shaw Costume Supervisor: Renata Beslik Adaptation: Steve Rodgers Writers: Clayton Jacobson, Shane Jacobson
KENNY
Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Season: 20 January – 7 February 2021 (previews: 15 – 19 January)
Information and Bookings: www.ensemble.com.au
Image: Ben Wood as Kenny – courtesy of Ensemble Theatre