The Read: A Kestrel for a Knave (BBC Four Sunday 17 September 23)

The Read: A Kestrel for a Knave airs Sunday 17 September 23 on BBC Four.

What is this episode about

In this modern adaptation of a classic British novel, Christopher Eccleston reads the heartbreaking coming-of-age story written by Barry Hines. The protagonist, a teenager named Billy Casper, has a pretty miserable existence. He is bullied at home and at school, but falconry gives him a sense of peace. Reading about how to care for a young hawk provides him with a welcome diversion from the difficulties of daily life with his mother and brother, Jed.

However, he has to abandon his new pastime after making a crucial error while errand-running for his brother. The heartbreaking rhythms of Billy’s life are expertly paced by Eccleston in this film shot at the Oldham Colliseum Theatre.

Series 2

When can we see the episode

The Read: A Kestrel for a Knave airs Sunday 17 September 23 at 8:00pm on BBC Four

Featured Image Credit: BBC Four

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