One man marvel – theatre trip

pic: Pamela Raith

Jack Holden plays Ken Rex McElroy in KENREX**** at The Other Palace Theatre, London.  Holden plays more than a dozen characters in a hugely effective solo performance. He is aided by the presence of the musician John Patrick Elliott with his fantastic live score – a mixture of different kinds of music from country songs to real jazz. 

Using a microphone and playing audiotapes tapes, Holden takes us on a journey to a small town called Skidmore in Missouri 1981. The play is based on a true crime story. The town has been terrorised by a masterful criminal, Ken Rex, who, despite many criminal acts, including arson, assault, intimidation to rape has never been convicted in court mainly thanks to a very skillful lawyer. Eventually, Ken is shot  in front of more than 40 townspeople , who all assert that they are unable to identify the person or people who killed him.

The impressive sound design and extraordinary acting performance by Holden make this one to catch if possible before 1 February 2026.

Thanks to London for Groups for taking some group organisers to a performance.

Written by CARLIE NEWMAN