Review: Kenrex at Southwark Playhouse Borough

19 Feb

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Five Stars)

If you’re a true crime enthusiast, Kenrex at Southwark Playhouse Borough is a must-see production. Following its run at Playhouse Sheffield in 2024, Kenrex makes its London debut, bringing with it a deeply compelling and chilling narrative.

The play tells the true story of Ken Rex McElroy, a bully who terrorised the small rural town of Skidmore, Missouri, until the townspeople took justice into their own hands when the legal system failed to protect them. What makes this production so remarkable is that all the characters are performed by just one actor: the incomparable Jack Holden.

Watching Holden’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. He effortlessly transitions from character to character and you never question who he is playing at any given moment as his physicality is so clear. His embodiment of each role is so full and authentic, you’re completely immersed in the story. Watching Jack Holden on stage in Kenrex, I found myself thinking that this may be the best singular acting performance I’ve seen since… well, since Jack Holden’s incredible performance in the Olivier-nominated Cruise at the Apollo Theatre in 2022: Holden’s ability to embody multiple characters simultaneously is absolutely unmatched.

Adding to the atmosphere is the live Americana music performed by John Patrick Elliott, whose presence on stage enriches the production and underscores the tension and emotional weight of the story. The music here is an essential element that draws you deeper into the world of Skidmore.

While the set is minimal, the lighting and video design by Joshua Pharo work wonders to enhance the narrative, giving the production the sleek and cinematic quality of a true crime documentary.

Kenrex is a powerful exploration of the lengths people will go to when the system fails them. It’s a taut, immersive experience that will leave you reflecting on the story long after the curtain falls. Whether you're a fan of true crime or simply someone who appreciates masterful storytelling and performances, this is a show you won’t want to miss. Jack Holden’s remarkable one-man performance is worth the price of admission alone and the compelling narrative only elevates the experience further. Kenrex is running at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 15th March 2025. Don’t miss it.