KES final (Script)

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sound Scene 1 - The Woods Farmer Billy

KES

Now then – what’s tha doing ? Nowt Well bugger off then - don't tha know it's private Farmer property? Billy Can I get up to that kestrel's nest? Farmer What kestrel's nest? Billy Up wall. Scene 1a The Paper Round (Billy runs to the paper shop to begin his newspaper round...) Paper Shop Manager I thought you weren’t comin’— Billy Why – I’m not late, am I? Paper Shop Manager Very near. Billy I nearly was, though... Paper Shop Manager What do yer mean...? Billy Our Jud – he’s taken t’bike... Paper Shop Manager Well, what you goin’a do, then? Billy Walk it. Paper Shop Manager Walk it!? — How long d’yer think that’s goin’ t’ take...? Billy It’ll not take me long... Eh! — there’s a waitin’ list a mile long for that job o’ Paper Shop Manager yours...! Good lads, too, most o’ ‘em...from up Firs Hill, round there... Billy I haven’t let you down, have I? (Customer comes into the shop...) Paper Shop Manager Mornin’ Customer Mornin’. sir!

2 Paper Shop Manager Customer Paper Shop Manager Paper Shop Manager Customer

Milk Float Man Billy Milk Float Man Billy Milk Float Man Billy Milk Float Man Billy Milk Float Man Billy Milk Float Man * Paper Shop Manager Billy Paper Shop Manager Billy Paper Shop Manager Billy Paper Shop Manager

Billy Paper Shop Manager Billy

Not very promisin’ again...! A bit on the nippy side as well, I think... Aye. Twenty Players Tipped, please... Oh, right..I’ve not got 20. Will two tens do...? Yes – that will be quite all right, thank you...! (Manager serves him...Billy sets out...steals eggs and milk from milk float before addressing the milk float man cheerfully. They are clearly old friends...) Eh-up young man – how tha goin’ on? Not so bad. [You} want to get one of these, though — this is better than walking… Ooh ah – only just — I could go faster on a kid’s scooter... Well — tha knows what I always say? What? Third-class ridin’s better an first-class walkin’ any day... You call that first-class riding in that ramshak...? What d’you mean, a ramshak...!? This is one of best models t’dairy’s got...! Cheeky young ‘un! Sithee tomorrow...! It can only go twenty mile an hour as it is... Yeah — there’s not too much rattle, then...! (Billy steals another bottle of milk as a parting gesture) * (Back in the newspaper shop...) Evening...! I told you it wouldn’t take me long... How many times d’you want telling where to put that bag? [What] time is it...? Time you were at school... Is it that late...? I wouldn’t be your teacher for all the coal in Barnsley...! (Mr Porter, the newspaper shop owner is on so steps so Billy plays a small trick on him by shaking the steps to frighten him..) Oh, Mr Porter! Watch it, Mr Porter! Yer clumsy young bugger! What yer tryin’ to do...? Kill me...!? I lost me balance...! (Mr Porter comes carefully down the steps, rather shaken up...)

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Paper Shop Manager Billy Billy Paper Shop Manager Billy Paper Shop Manager

I wouldn’t put it past yer either...! I fair felt me heart go then...! Just sit down ‘ere and relax a couple o’ minutes... Are yer all right now...? (He feels his heart...) I’m bloody champion...! I’ll be off, then! And don’t be late tonight!

Scene 1 B: The Classroom Class Boys Class Boys Class Boys Class Class Billy Class Boys Class Billy Class Billy Class Billy Boys Class Billy Class Billy Class

Teacher Teacher Teacher Teacher Teacher Teacher Teacher Teacher Teacher

Teacher Teacher Teacher

Billy

Class Teacher Billy Class Teacher Billy Class Teacher

Allott? sir Barter? sir Bridges? Absent, sir! (to himself) Absent...Bridges. Casper? sir Clegg? sir Fisher? German Bight... Did you say something? Yes, sir...I didn’t mean to, sir... Stand up! I didn’t get it... What did you say...? “German Bight”, sir... ...German Bight?? ...He’s daft, sir... Is this your ridiculous idea of a joke..? No, sir. Well what is the idea, then...? Well, when you said “Fisher”, sir. And what about it...? It just came out: “Fisher, German Bight: it’s the Shipping Forecast, sir: I like to hear it every night, sir  I like t’names... Huh! And so you thought you’d enlighten me , and the rest of the class, with your idiotic information!? No, sir. Blurting out and making a mess of my register...!! It just came out, sir! And so did you, Casper! Just came out from under a

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Class Teacher MacDowell Billy Boy Billy Boy Billy MacDowell Billy Guthrie Billy Guthrie Boy Guthrie Boy Guthrie

stone...! (laughter) (to one of the girls...) Pamela! You’re talking! Cut it out! * Eh up, Billy....what d’you mean: “Germans bite...?” Oh, shut it, lad...! I’m fair sick o’ hearing about Germans bite... Are yer comin’ nestin’ tomorrow? Aye — I’ll come... What time...? About six... Don’t be late! Coming, Guth...? Where? Nestin’ What time? About six... Can’t Why? Taking t’girlfriend to Sheffield...

Scene 1c The Field Billy Farmer Billy Farmer Billy Farmer Billy

Farmer Billy Farmer Billy Farmer Billy Farmer Billy Farmer Billy

There it is! Aye. That big ‘ole. It’s nested there for donkey’s years now. Just think and I never knew! No there’s not many that does. Been watching from up t’wood here. Goes onto t’post, then 'overs, then swoops down onto t’prey; carries it off t’young ‘uns. It looks great…! I’ve been going to knock that wall down for ages What for? It’s dangerous. I won’t even let her play near… (indicating his little girl) If I lived round here I’d train a young ‘un Would yer? You can train ‘em D’you know how? Do you know? No. There’s not many that does: they’re hard to train – if they’re not kept properly it’s criminal. Do yer know anybody who’s kept ‘em?

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Billy Farmer Billy Farmer

One or two. But better let em go...because they’re hard to train Where can I find out about ‘em, then? Well...probably t’public library.They’ll have some books on ‘em Where’s that? Down in t’city Where’s that? Down in t’city

Scene 2 The Library

Scene 2 The Library

Librarian Billy Librarian

Hey, are you a member? What do yer mean? Are you a member of the Library? I don’t know about that: I only want a book on Falconry that’s all. Well you have to be a member, to take a book out. Well I only want one... Well have you filled one of these forms in..? No. Well, you’re not a member, then. You have to take one of these home, first, for your father to sign... Me Dad’s away... Well, you can wait till he comes back home, can’t you? I don’t mean that – I mean he’s left home... Oh I see. Well in that case your mother’ll have to sign it for you Ah, but she’s at work and she’ll not be home till tea time… and it’s Sunday tomorrow... There’s no rush, is there? Me mum knows one of the people who works here. That’ll help, won’t it? No – that doesn’t count at all: you still have to have the back signed. To be a member, you have to have somebody over 21, who is on the Borough Electoral Roll, to sign it for you... I’m over 21. You’re not over 21 Ah! – but I vote...

Farmer Billy Farmer

Billy Librarian Billy Librarian Billy Librarian Billy Librarian Librarian Billy Librarian Billy Librarian Billy Librarian

Billy Librarian

6 Billy Librarian Billy Librarian Billy Librarian

Ah! – but I vote... You don’t vote: you’re not old enough to vote...! I do, I vote for me mam...She don’t like voting so I do it... Just have to wait for it, won’t you? Where would I find a book then? In a shop, like...? Well, you’d have to go down the street. There’s a second-hand bookshop there. You’ll find some down there..

Scene 3 Second-hand Bookshop Second Hand Can I help you? Bookshop Lady Yes, I’m rather interested in Noel Coward’s Customer autobiography, Present Indicative...It’s a complete book... (Billy steals the Falconry book…) Scene 4 At Home Jud What’s tha got this for? And tha can’t read. Billy Give it ‘ere. Come here! Get off! Falconry! What d’you want to know about Jud Falconry? Billy Give it here? Jud Falcons...one bob...where’ve you got this from? Billy I’ve lent it..! Jud Stole it, more like..! Where’ve you got it from? Billy A shop in town.. You must be crackers. I could understand if it were Jud money, but chuff me, not a book! Have it! (throws book roughly) Billy Look what you’ve done! I’m looking after this book! Jud And what better off will yer be when you’ve got it? Billy A lot - because I’m going to get a kestrel and train it... Train it? Yer couldn’t train a flea! Anyway – where Jud would you get a kestrel from? Billy I know a nest... Jud Yer don’t... Billy All right then – I don’t Jud Where? Billy I’m not telling. Jud I said, where? Billy Ah! You’re hurting me arm! Jud Where then?

7 Billy Jud Billy Jud Billy Jud Billy

Monastery Farm. You right git! You could have broke me arm then! I’ll have to see about going round there with me gun...! If you do I’ll tell the farmer on you! Why? – What’s he got to do with it? He protects ‘em. Protects ‘em? Hawks are a menace to farmers. They’re only small...they eat mice...insects....some little birds sometimes...

Scene 4 Billy and Mother (who is going out) Mother Mother (to Billy Billy Mother Mother (to Billy Billy Mother (to Billy Billy Mother (to Billy

These could have done with a bit of a polish…aw, still never mind, it’s going to be dark soon... What you going to with yerself tonight, love? Read me book! Ooh! Look at t’time. Five to seven. I’m going to be late again... Listen Billy, there’s two bob ‘ere, chuck... Want t’get yerself some pop... some crisps? D’you hear? Yes. And don’t still be up when I come in, will yer...? No. G’night then...

Scene 4a In The Pub Pop Group

Jud

Mother

Mother (to a girlfriend sitting nearby…)

“I came home unexpectedly, and found her crying grievously, in the middle of the day…" And it was in the early spring, when flowers are in bloom and robins sing - and she went away… And, Honey - I miss you…! (And I’m being good…) And I'd love to be with you…If only I could…” I just like to come home, get me meal, bath, change and out – me – not a care in the world... You see, when you’ve been married once and yer marry wrong ‘un, it makes you a bit apprehensive towards getting... Well you know, don’t yer? ‘Cos he were never good...

8 But it makes you a bit more wary about getting married again.. Jud

If she wants to go with a different bloke, I mean, it’s not up to me to tell her what to do – I mean she’s old enough to...

Mother

Pop Group

...together...[perhaps if he had had been] brought up in different environment and had a better education, he probably would have made more than what he ‘as done... At the moment he’s just hopeless -he’s hopeless case, isn’t he? “I wanna be yer man….I wanna be yer man…”

Scene Six: The Woods

(Billy climbs to the Nest and get the Kestrel chick)

Scene Seven: Billy’s Interior Monologue about Kes “Three good meals a day I’ll give him for about a fortnight: if a piece of meat, held between the finger and thumb of the gloved hand is offered to the hawk, it will probably bend down and pull at the meat with its beak…” Billy

“As soon as the hawk will come on a leash length indoors, she may be tried off a fence or gatepost out of doors...It is quite likely that although she must come into the first fist promptly indoors, she will now refuse to come at all...she will stand looking fearfully around her, and ignoring the meat – and the fist – thrust in front of her...”

Scene 8 Flying Kes Scene 8a The Football Match Football Teacher Boy Football Teacher Boy Football Teacher Boy

Right...! We’ll play with the wind downhill,] ...this way. Paget, you're inside right. Come on. Who are you today, sir? Liverpool? Don’t be a slacker...Know your club colours? Manchester United strip this... Are you playing Denis Law, again, striker? Speed – striker! No, Charlton today, lad. All over the field! Too cold for a...striker... Of course, er, Charlton’s not as good on the turn as Law, is he?

9 Football Teacher Boy Football Teacher Boy Football Teacher Boys Football Teacher Boys Football Teacher Billy Football Teacher Billy Football Teacher Football Teacher Boy Football Teacher

Billy Football Teacher Football Teacher Boys Football Teacher Boys Football Teacher Boys Football Teacher Boy Football Teacher Football Teacher Boys

Are you trying to tell me about football? No...I’m just telling you... Are you trying to tell me...? No, sir Anyway, Denis Law’s in the wash this week... Nobody’s in goal, sir ... Haven’t got a goalie...No goal, sir! Who’s in the goal? Casper! Casper! What position are you supposed to be playing? Don’t know, sir. Inside left? How can you be inside left back there, idiot? In the goal! I can’t go, sir...I’m cold! Now’s your chance to learn: in the goal! Quick about it! Right – we’re Manchester United – who are you? We’ll be Spurs, sir, then there’s no clash of colours...! Right – then it’s Manchester United versus Spurs in this important fifth-round cup tie here at Old Trafford... And it’s the fair-haired, slightly balding Charlton to kick off! Come on, Speed! What are you playing at, lad? You should be on the move, lad – it was at your feet! Cross it, Ryder, quickly! Where’s the rest of me team? Casper! [Score is: Manchester United O, Spurs 1) Come on – quickly, Casper! I’ve never seen such slack work in my life! I’ve never seen such slack work in my life! What’s that for? Slack work, lad! Slack work! Kick that ball up the field, Parker. Cross the ball..! “And Charlton goes through...!” Ahh! Never, never! Penalty! Never! Who d’you think you are – Bremner? Penalty! Outside that semicircle! No it weren’t sir! Outside that semicircle! Shall I take it, sir? I take the penalties, on this team... No-one moves till this ball’s kicked! Just watch this, Guthrie! Right, Clegg? You moved. He moved! Put it back! Not fair! He hadn’t moved!

10 Football Teacher Tibbut Football Teacher Boy Football Teacher

Penalty. Behind the eighteen-yard line! He moved. You’d better save it, Cleggie! or I’ll drop tha- ! Behind the eighteen-yard line! He moved. He didn’t move, sir! The referee’s decision is final! [Manchester United 1, Spurs 1]

Scene 10 Jud Going to Work in the Mine (Judd meets a work colleague leaving his shift as he arrives to start his own...) Work colleague Eh! up Jud – how are yer doing? Jud Rough, man...rough! Work colleague Why? You should be on top of the world on a day like today! Another ten minutes and I’ll be at t’bottom of it! Jud Scene 11 Billy Speaks Up in Class Mr Sugden Students Mr Sugden

Wolstenholme Mr Sugden Guthrie Tibbut Guthrie Tibbut Mr Sugden

Julie

(something ...you know, has actually happened. This is a fact. All right – have you got that clear? Yes, sir All right. Tibbut, sit up straight! And I want the rest of you to look at him, if you can bear it! – and tell me some facts about Tibbut... Wolstenholme? He’s always tryin’ to go wi t’lasses at night... Is he? Guthrie? He smokes. Do I heck! Tha does. Get knotted, Guthrie! All right! All right! I’m not interested in what he does out of school hours, as long as he doesn’t come into the class smoking a fag. All right? Come on, you people who aren’t thinking! Right, Julie... I want you to think of an incident that happened to you some time in the past, that is true, and that you think will interest the rest of the class – all right? Well, er...I went to this all-night party yesterday...and ...er...about three o’clock, we were all dancin’ in t’garden – me and ‘er and all the rest, can’t mention names – and er...this woman came across from t’road, and, er, she

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Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden

Boys Mr Sugden Speed

Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy

tells us to...to make less noise...or she’d fetch the police; so l... so we said, let her fetch ‘em, if she wanted. So she fetched them. Things that have actually happened. How about another one? What about you, Casper?...Casper! What, sir? “What, sir?” – you’d know if you’d been listening...! What have we just been talking about? Stories. sir? What kind of stories? You haven’t been listening to a word I’ve said, have you? Yes sir, some of it. Some of it!? Stand up! Right, now you’re going to tell us a story about yourself. I don’t know any, sir. You don’t know any? Well you’ll stand there till you do! Always somebody – isn’t there? – eh! – somebody who wants to be awkward. Just won’t be interested, doesn’t matter what you do... Just like you, Casper! Come on! I’ll give you two minutes. two minutes to think of something or the whole class comes back at four o’clock! Come on, don’t stand there like a nail! He is a nail! Come on! I say...tell ‘im...Tell ‘im about the ‘awk, Casper! If anybody else calls out, that’ll be the last call they make! ...Speed? He’s got this hawk, sir, and he goes mad over it. He never mucks about with anybody else, he just goes wi’alk all t’time, ee’s crackers over it! Better than thee, any road! All right, Casper... Sit down. Now come on: tell us about this hawk. Where did you get it from? I found it, sir. Where? In t’woods... And where d’you keep it? In a shed.

12 Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy

Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden

Billy

Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy

Mr Sugden

What d’you feed it on? Beef, mice, birds... But isn’t it cruel to keep it in a shed? I mean...wouldn’t it be happier flying free? I don’t keep it in t’shed all the time, sir. I fly it every day. Doesn’t it fly away, I thought they were wild birds... Course it don’t fly away, sir. I’ve trained it. Are you going to tell us about it? How do you train a hawk? You have to be right careful wi’ em, sir, right patient... You’ve got to feed ‘em when they’re hungry, sir – you can only do ‘owt like...at feeding time, sir... Yeah? (They’ve) got these jesses on, sir, all t’time... These what...? Jesses, sir. How d’you spell that? J-E... All right...come out here...you’d better show us on the board ... ‘Jesses’ – that’s a new word to me... Hands up those who’ve heard of jesses before. Nobody. Go on – write it up there! (Billy writes) Right, now tell us what it is... Well, they’re like leather straps, sir. And they attach to t’bird’s feet. And...say I’ve got t’bird on me hand. Straps come out here. Then there’s t’swivel. “Swivel” – write that on the board. Then you’ve got your leash... “Leash”... On the board. I fed it on me ‘and first... Then, when it got to know me, I fed it on me glove. And after a while, I put it two inches away from its claws. And, er... like that, right? It started to jump for t’meat. When it started to jump, I could move me hand away... Hold your hand up, so that we can see... I could move me hand away, like...to four inches and six inches – and when it were doin’ that, I started it doing it wi’ t’leash.

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Billy Guthrie Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Boys Mr Sugden Billy

Do...Do they need water, like? You know when you’ve got a budgie, you put water in the budgie’s cage – do you need water...do they need water like that? Well, it – like – has a bath. It has a bath right early on in t’morning, like. When do yer feed it? How many times a day? To start off with three or four times, you know, to get it plump. You make it all sound very exciting, Billy... It is sir. But the most exciting thing [was] when I flew her free for the first time. sir... Do you want to hear about that? Yes sir! Right. Come on... Well...it were...I’d been using t’creance for about a week... an’ it had been going 30 or 40 yards...And it says when birds are going thirty to forty yards – it says in book – it’s time that it can start to fly free... Well...I’d been...you know... I’d been wanting to fly it free, but I daren’t, you know...I were frit it’d fly off or sommat like that...’n this had been goin’ on for four or five days n’ [I] keep on to missen, saying that “Fly it free next day”...Anyway, I got right mad wi’ missen...I says, “Right, I’ll fly it free tomorrow..” you know, that night – that Friday night it were – I didn’t feed her up, so that she’d be sharp set next morning...And I went to bed that night, Friday night then...and I didn’t get an hour’s sleep at all, [I were] friting, you know, friting about t’bird, that she’d fly off or sommat like that... Anyway, when t’morning came, I kept on saying to missen “Well if she flies off, she flies off, and it can’t be helped!” So I took t’swivel off, and let her hop on to t’post...And there were nowt stoppin’ her now, she could fly

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Mr Sugden

off. All [that] were on ‘er were ‘er jesses. I thought: “She must fly off, she’s forced to fly off!” – But she didn’t. She just stood there. I were terrified...Well anyway, she was stood there, and I walked off into t’field, and she were lookin’ round all over the place, and when I got about 70 yards from her, in middle of t’field, I called ‘er: “Kes...Kes... Come on, Kes! Come on, then!” Nowt happened. So I thought “Well, I’d better walk back and pick her up.” So while I were walking back I saw her flying. She came like a bomb! About a yard off floor, like lightning, head still and you couldn’t hear t’wings - there weren’t a sound from t’wings. And straight onto t’glove. Wham! And she grabbed me for t'meat. Anyway, I were pleased with missen, and I didn’t know what to do. So I thought, I’d better...do it again – just to prove that it weren’t luck. So I took her back onto t’post... and walked to t'middle of t’field,and called her again.And she came just as good as first time straight onto t’glove, grabbin’ for t’meat… Well that were it, sir.I’d trained her, sir. And that were all I could do. I think you’ve done enough, don’t you! Well done, Billy! Big hand of applause!

Scene 12 The Fight McDowell Billy McDowell Billy McDowell

Got owt, Casper? Nay. Tha never has, has tha. Tha just cadges, all t’time... Casper the cadger, that’s what they ought to call thee.... I wouldn’t give thee owt if I had, McDowell... I’ll give you summat in a minute... What’s tha goin’ for? Don’t tha like company? Thi say thi mother does.

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Billy McDowell Billy McDowell Billy McDowell Billy McDowell Billy McDowell Billy Boys Students Mr Sugden Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden

McDowell Mr Sugden

McDowell Mr Sugden

Mr Sugden

Tha’s got more uncles than any other kid. Shut thi mouth! Come on and make me! They wouldn’t say that to our Jud, he’d murder thee! Your Jud’s nowt... What? He’s cock of the estate, that’s all! I bet I know somebody who could do him! Who? Thi father? He in’t even thi brother! What is he then – me sister? They don’t even call him Casper, for a start! Course he’s me brother! We live in the same house, don’t we? Get him! Get him! Fight! (Mr Sugden arrives) Right, you lot! Ten seconds out of my sight! One! Two! Three! Hop it! Right come ‘ere, you two! Come on...! What’s goin’ on? It was him, sir...He started it! He’s been chuckin’ coal Ah! Shut up! shut up! It’s always the same tale, isn’t it: somebody else’s fault; nobody’s to blame... Look at the mess you’re in – look at the state you’ve made! Don’t look so sorry for yourself, Casper – you’re not dead yet! He will be, when I’ve had ‘im...! Oh, yes! You’re a big lad, aren’t yer? He’s just about your size, Casper, isn’t he? Eh? Why don’t you pick on somebody your own size? What if I rubbed your nose in the coke, eh? What w’d you say about that –you’d say I was a bully, wouldn’t yer? And you’d be right. ‘Cos I’m bigger and stronger than you, aren’t I? Eh? I’ll fetch me dad. Ah, yes...you’ll fetch your Dad... And I’ll fetch mine...! My dad’s ‘eavyweight champion of the world, my Dad is! So what will your Dad do then, eh? That’s what it’s like to be bullied. You don’t like it, do yer? You’ll like it a bit less if I ever catch you at it again. Do you

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McDowell Mr Sugden McDowell Mr Sugden Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy

Mr Sugden Billy

Mr Sugden Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy

Mr Sugden

understand that – McDowell – do you understand it? Yes,sir Get it shoveled up! Come ‘ere a minute! You been smoking? No, sir. You have! I can smell it on your breath! See me afterwards – go on – get it done! What's it all about? He keeps callin’ me names, sir, and sayin’ things about me dad and me mam and our Jud and everything’ll ‘appen... Allright, all right! Calm down! They all seem to pick on you, don’t they, Casper – why is it? Don’t know, sir. Is it because you’re a bad ‘un? Maybe I am sometimes, but I’m not that bad, sir. I know stacks of other kids that’s worse than me, but but they seem to get away wi’ it... Why else do you think, eh? There must be some reason... Well, take this morning, sir. I just came in, sir, and just dozed off. I weren’t doin’ nowt wrong. You see, I’d been up since six. I had to do t’papers, then I had to rush home to look at t’bird, and then run to school: I mean to say you’d be tired, wouldn’t yer, sir? I’d be exhausted. How’s things at home these days? All right, sir. Usual, I suppose. What about the police: have you been in trouble with them recently? No sir, not since I’ve been...without...McDowell’s gang, sir. You know, they used to go into t’city and go into t’coffee bars and t’cinema, but since I’ve been without them I’ve been all right. It’s all right now, innit? Yes sir, but whenever there’s trouble on estate, the police

17 Billy Mr Sugden

Mr Sugden

Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden

always come to our ‘ouse I shouldn’t worry. In a couple of weeks you’ll be starting your new job, getting new friends...looking forward to that, are you? ...Eh? Have you got a job...? No, sir – I’ve got to see the employment bloke this afternoon... What sort of job do you want? Not bothered. sir. Anything’ll do me. Yeah! But you’ll want something you’re looking forward to, that you’re interested in, don’t you? I don’t have much choice, sir. I’ll take what I’ve got Thought you didn’t like school? I don’t, but it don’t mean to say I’ll like work, does it? Still, I’ll get paid for not liking it... That’s one thing. I suppose it is. I might be able to save up and buy a goshawk, then, sir. I’ve been reading about ‘em... Have yer? When do you fly this hawk of yours? Dinner times. Where? Just outside our house, sir. Wood Lane, is that? Yeah it is, sir. I’ll come round, then. If it’s OK. Mmm. Go on then. Get yourself cleaned up.

Scene 13 Shooting for Kes [Billy finds a note from Jud – “ Five bob double Crackpot. Tell Him He’s Dead ”- Jud. Billy is potting sparrows…] Scene 14 Visit of Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy

(Billy is flying Kes in the field near their house) Kes! Come on then, Kes! Come on Kes! Casper! Bloody Hellfire! Hope I’m not too late! No, sir – but you’ll have to stand over there! I’ll go by the fence, eh? It’s all right. As long as you keep quiet!

18 Mr Sugden

Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy

Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden Billy

Mr Sugden Billy Mr Sugden

Billy

I won’t say a word... (Billy flies Kes, with many shouts of " Kes...Come on, Kes!") Well done, Casper. That’s the most exciting thing I’ve ever seen in me life! Great! Thrill of a lifetime, lad! Thank you, sir. Let’s have a look at it... Isn’t it beautifully marked, eh? Look at the feathers on it! Oh – it’s not going to eat that, is it? Yes, sir. This bird’s full of vitamins. Oh dear! Have any more birds before him? Stacks. Animals and all, sir. Even a young foxcub, once. Reared it and let it go...A little blinder! I’ve had magpies, jackdaws...had a young jay once... He’s your favourite, though – isn’t he? Others weren’t in t’same street. Come on, sir! O dear me! Watch that mattress, sir! It’s slippy... OK Look what’s left, sir...! Only t’sparrow’s leg. Must have been hungry. Must have been starving... You hang on ‘ere. I’ll put him on t’perch. You know, there’s something weird about it when it’s flying... Hawks are t’best fliers there is. No, I didn’t mean that. When it’s flying, there’s something about it [that] makes you feel strange... Is it ‘cos everything goes quiet? That’s it, aye. Other folks have noticed that an’all, sir. I know a farmer who says it’s the same wi owls. You know, when they get his mice, in his yard, at night...When they swoop down, he feels like pokin’ his ears to make em pop. Mmm. ‘Cos it goes that quiet... It’s as if they’re flying in a pocket of silence... Have you noticed how quietly we’re speaking? As if we’re frightened to raise our voices – a bit like shouting in church. It’s ‘cos they’re nervous, sir.

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Mr Sugden Billy

Mr Sugden Billy

Oh, no. It’s more than that... It’s instinctive...It’s ...a sort of respect. I know, sir. That’s what makes me mad. When I take her for walks, somebody comes up to me and says “Look, it’s Billy Casper and ‘is pet ‘awk”- I could shout at ‘em, sir. It in’t a pet. Or if someone comes up to me and says “Is it tame?” Is it heck tame! hawks can’t be tamed. They’re manned. It’s wild and fierce and it’s not bothered about anybody. Not bothered about me...right! That’s what makes it great...! A lot of people wouldn’t understand. They like their pets to be fussed. I’m not bothered about that. I just want it for ‘er looks and to fly ‘er. They can keep their talking budgies. They’re nowt compared wi’ er. You right Billy, you’re probably right. D’you know summat, sir? I think she’s doing me a favour, just letting me sit here and watch ‘er.

Scene 15 The Betting Shop TV Man Lady Billy Billy (to a customer) Customer Customer

Billy Customer

Billy

“Same price, 7-1, number 12, Doorkeeper.” What’s ‘ee studyin’ there? Can I ‘elp you, son? No thanks... Hey mister – can you tell me t’prices of these...? What are they? (Billy gives the Customer Jud’s piece of paper..) Crackpot. Crackpot. 100 to 6. Tell Him He’s Dead. I’ve just been lookin’ for this one meself... Tell Him He’s Dead. Second Favourite, 4 to 1. 100 to 6; 4 to 1....(gives Billy back the piece of paper) Would you back ‘em? Tell Him He’s Dead’s a Tell Him He's Dead's a good ‘orse. Best ‘orse in t’race. Top weight. Don’t fancy that one, though. No form. Hasn’t even got a jockey on here. No, [ I] shouldn’t bother with that one... Do you think they’ll win, then?

20 Customer Billy Customer Billy

Scene 16 Fish and Chip Shop Billy Fish and Chip Man Fish and Chip Lady Billy Fish and Chip Man Fish and Chip Lady Billy Fish and Chip Lady Fish and Chip Lady Fish and Chip Man

How’ve you got them? Doubled? They’re not mine – they’re our Jud’s. Oh, he’ll be all right if they do – but I cannot see it meself... Great...ta...!

Can I have a bob’s worth o’ chips, and a fish? Serve him, will you, Mary... Yes, love. What you ‘aving? Fish and chips... Stop kickin’ We only put that on today.. Got any scraps, missis? Yes, love. I’ll put you some on... Two shilling [s] , love. I’m gettin’ rid of these chips, Floyd. It’s gettin’ late now.. Aye, but don’t be goin’ mad... Sixpence change, love… (Billy leaves without any greeting or words of thanks...) These kids. I don’t know, Mr Glover, they’re all the same.

Scene 17 The Meat Stall Billy Meat Billy Meat Billy Meat Billy Meat Billy Meat Billy Meat

Stall Man Stall Man Stall Man Stall Man Stall Man Stall Man

Can I have a quarter o’ beef? Boy, those smell good! (takes a chip) Can I have a quarter o’ beef? Tha still got that bird, then? Yep. Here – you can ‘ave them for nowt... For nowt...? Aye, they’re only scraps... Have another chip? No, I’m goin’ for me dinner in a minute... Right, then. Ta...! See yer... See yer...

Scene 18 Maths Classroom

Maths Teacher

(Billy spots Jud walking up to the school...) Usual difficulty over concentration. Hm?

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Billy Maths Teacher Billy Maths Teacher Billy Maths Teacher

Three fives are fifteen, eh? We write 15 one, five. You write, five, one... (Jud is gesturing aggressively towards Billy through the glass classroom door..) Isn’t that that illustrious brother of yours, Casper? Shouldn’t have thought he was the type to have paid a visit to his old school again... What’s the matter? Don’t you feel well? No, sir. Do you want to go out and get a drink of water or something? No, sir. Well, open the window, Casper! Make you feel better...! I’m alright, sir. Please yourself... (bell) Right, now just pass your books forward, will you, to the front? Front person on each row bring them to my desk, please

Scene 19 Escape from Jud Maths Teacher Billy Maths Teacher

McDowell Jud

What’s the matter, Casper – lost something? Me. sir? No, sir. On your way. then * (Billy edges very cautiously out of the school, and on his way overhears a conversation between Jud and McDowell in the corridor...) What’s up with thee, Jud? What’s up wi’ me? It’s that little bastard, our Billy. He’s kept t’stinkin money! I’ll kill the little git when I get hold of him! Every day! I’ll murder him...! *

Scene 20 Interview (Billy, having escaped from Jud, returns to school for his Youth Employment interview...) Billy Tibbut Billy Tibbut Billy

‘Ey up, Tibbut, has tha seen our Jud? They’ve been looking all over for thee! Who has? Gryce Pudding. What for? I done nowt.

22 Tibbut Billy Tibbut Mr Gryce Billy Mr Gryce Billy

Youth Employment Man

Youth Employment. Tha should have gone for t’interview at half past ten! Has tha seen out Jud? Yea. He wanted to know where tha was... * Casper! Where the devil have you been? Nowhere, sir... Nowhere? Who are you, the Invisible Man!? I felt sick, sir – so I went to the toilets... (Billy goes off to the classroom where the Youth Employment Officer is conducting interviews) (He enters without knocking) Get out! Go out – knock and wait! (Billy knocks and enters properly)

Youth Employment Man Billy Youth Employment Man

Billy Youth Employment Man

Billy Youth Employment Man

Billy Youth Employment Man

Well, come in, lad – if you’re coming... Sit down, Walker! I’m not Walker, sir. Well, who are you, then? According to my list it should be Gerard Walker next. Oliver, Stenton, then Walker... I’m Casper. Casper. Oh, sit down, Casper. I should have seen you earlier, shouldn’t I? Well then, Casper – what kind of job had you got in mind? (Billy says nothing) Well? I don’t know, sir. I haven’t really thought about it. Well you should be thinking about it! You want to start off on the right foot, don’t you? (Billy shrugs, and is silent...) Right, then. Would you like to work in an office? Or would you prefer...manual work? What’s manual work? Oh, it means working with your hands. Things like farming, engineering, plumbing... Things like that - as opposed to...pen-pushing jobs... I’d be all right in an office! I have a job to read and write... “Manual”

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Billy Youth Employment Man Billy Youth Employment Man

Billy Youth Employment Man

Tell me, Casper, have you ever thought about entering a trade as an apprentice? You know, as an electrician or a bricklayer or something like that. Of course, the money’s not too good while you’re serving your apprenticeship, and if you do stick it out, you’ll always have a trade at your fingertips, won’t you? Well, then, Casper – what do you think about it? And, as you’ve already said, you’ll feel better working with your hands... Perhaps this is your best bet. Of course you’ll have to go to Technical College, and sit for various examinations...Some lads do. Some do it for years...two or three nights a week... Right from leaving school...right up to mid-twenties... When they take their Higher National – or even degrees....I say, lad, are you listening to me? Yeah. You don’t look as though you are...! I’ve other lads to see before four o’ clock, you know... Well then – if nothing I’ve mentioned so far appeals to you, if you can stand a hard day’s work – and you don’t mind getting dirty – there’s a good opportunity in mining... I’m not goin’ down t’pit.... Well don’t be put off by what you’ve heard: conditions have improved tremendously... I won’t be seen dead down t’pit... What about hobbies? What hobbies have you got? Do you like gardening, or constructing Meccano sets, or anything like that? (pause) Don’t you have any hobbies at all? Can I go now? What’s wrong with you, lad? Sit down. Sit down. I haven’t finished yet. Well, I’ve met some lads in my time, but

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Billy Youth Employment Man Billy Youth Employment Man

I’ve never met one like you, Casper! Half the time you’re like a cat on hot bricks, the other half you’re not listening! Here! Take this form. It gives you all the relevant information about leaving school and starting work. Things like pensions, superannuation, national insurance, wages and so on. At the back, there's a detachable form. When you want your cards, fill it in… (Billy makes to leave...) Come back here, lad – I haven’t finished yet... When you want your cards, fill in that form, send it in to the office. Have you got that? Yeah. Don’t forget. And listen, Casper... If you do have any trouble getting fixed up, do come in and see me, won’t you? Yes, sir! (Billy makes a bolt for the door and rushes out...) Send the next boy in...!

Scene 21 The Death of Kes

Billy Neighbour Lady

Billy Betting Shop Man Billy

(Billy rushes home to see what has happened to Kes...) * (He runs round all the familiar locations where Kes might be, but finds no trace of the kestrel...) (He calls for Jud in the house, and then his Mother; doesn’t find them; and then ask a neighbour if she has seen Jud...) * Missis, have you seen our Jud? I haven’t, love. Sorry. * (Billy runs to the Betting Shop) (to Betting Shop man...) Have you seen our Jud? Course I’ve seen your Jud. But it doesn’t look as though you’ve seen him, or you wouldn’t be all in one piece... You’ve seen him, then...?

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Betting Shop Man Billy Betting Shop Man Billy Betting Shop Man Billy

Billy Mother Billy Jud Billy Jud Mother Billy Jud Billy Mother Jud Mother Jud Mother Jud Mother Jud Mother

Course I’ve seen him. Coming in here playing hell! Going to pull t’counter down and everything..! What did you do then? I had to fetch Eric Clough to prove that hadn’t put t’bet on. They won then, did they? Both of them! 100 to 6 and 4 to 1...He’d have won a tenner, I can tell you that! Bloody hell! * (Billy spends half an hour or so searching for Kes, and calling for the bird, and even goes back Monastery Farm where the nest was, but finds nothing, no trace...He concludes that Jud has indeed killed the bird...) * (in the house...) (to Jud) Where’s it – what’s tha done wi’it? Where’ve you been till this time? Your tea’s going cold ‘ere... I said, where is it? What’s tha starin’? Thee, tha little pig! (Jud lunges at Billy) Don’t call me a little pig, or I’ll break your arm to stop it...! Jud – what’s all t’ bloody pushing and shoving? Ask him. He knows! Yes, and tha ha’d have known if I’d got hold of thee this afternoon...! Ah – get lost! Knows what? What’s goin’ on? What’s up wi’ im? What ‘ave you been doin’ to ‘im..!? If he’d have put that bet on like I told you this morning, there would have been none of this! Well he’s put it on, hasn’t he? Has he bloody hell! Well I told him to... (to Billy) I asked you not to forget before I went away this morning... He didn’t forget – ee’s spent t’money! How d’you know? Cos he has! Well what are you getting so damned upset for? Have they won or sommat?

26 Jud * Mother

Jud Billy Mother Billy Mother Billy Mother Jud Mother * * Jud

Have they won? I’d have 16 quid [on] these last ‘uns if he’d kept his thieving hands to hisself... (Jud gets up to attack Billy...) (to Jud) Now look what you’ve done...should have done it thissen! (attacking Billy) I could have had a week off work for that...! Get lost, you big pig! Hey! Well what’s he upset for? Because he’s killed me hawk instead, that’s why. He never ‘as... I know he has. Cos he couldn’t catch me... Jud! You ‘ave not killed this kid’s ‘awk!? So I have. What yer goin’ to do about it!? Killing yourself – that’s what you want! (Billy flings himself in a paroxysm of despair onto the sofa head first, burying his sobbing head in the cushions..) It were its own fault. I were goin’ to let it go, kept lashin’ at me wi’ t’claws, I had to kill it – what else could I do..!? * (Billy tenderly takes the dead kestrel from the dustbin where Jud put it, and – taking an axe – digs a shallow grave for the bird at the edge of a nearby field) THE END