GRITTY realism is in store at Bolton Little Theatre with their next production, Kes.

The story of Billy Casper, the northern lad with nothing to look forward to but with plenty of spirit, who catches and trains a kestrel is as moving today as it always was.

Examining themes of social and spiritual poverty and the struggle for individuality, but with a child's sense of the ridiculous and the unjust, Barry Hines' 1966 novel A Kestrel For a Knave, turned into a classic film by Ken Loach in 1969, has been sensitively adapted by Lawrence Till, a former artistic director at the Ocatgon Theatre.

Directors Steve Gill and Sue Bolus have worked closely with BLT's youth group, and have found enthusiastic support from many sources. They have been to Leighton Hall near Carnforth to learn about handling birds of prey. Lawrence Till has been "very supportive," while the Manchester United Supporters' Club have loaned a Bobby Charlton-era shirt.

There is a mix of senior and youth members in the cast. Billy is played by Sam Dootson, with Christine Flanigan, Robin Thompson, Matthew James, Stuart Tremayne, Susannah Nightingale, Stuart O'Hara, Nigel Carter, Stephen Knowles, Alex Parkinson, Danny Bolton, Hedley Hill, Adam Walton, Michaela Wilkinson and Emma Venables.

Tickets can be obtained from the Albert Hall box office (01204 334400), and from the BLT box office between 6.15 and 8.00pm (524469)