KENREX tickets

Don’t miss KENREX, the critically acclaimed one-man true crime thriller, returning to London at The Other Palace for a strictly limited eight-week run.

This gripping production brings to life the unbelievable true story of Ken Rex McElroy and a community’s bold fight to take back control. Expect electrifying true crime storytelling, raw Western grit and a foot-stomping live Americana soundtrack.

What is the plot of KENREX?

Following its five-star success at Southwark Playhouse in spring 2025, the masterful KENREX transfers to The Other Palace. Set in 1981 Missouri, the play unfolds in the town of Skidmore, where small-town bully Ken Rex McElroy rules with an iron fist.

For over a decade, Ken’s reign of terror has included theft, intimidation, assault, abduction and attempted murder. Yet, thanks to a slippery defence attorney and the grinding gears of the American justice system, he’s never spent a single night behind bars.

But when Ken shoots beloved greengrocer and pillar of the community Bo Bowenkamp, leaving him for dead, the people of Skidmore decide enough is enough. If the courts won’t stop Ken, they will. What follows is a tense, unflinching account of a community pushed to the brink, taking justice into its own hands.

Why you should see KENREX at The Other Palace

A must-see this winter season, KENREX is a theatrical event you won’t be able to look away from. From the Olivier Award-nominated team behind Cruise, this gripping production fuses a compelling narrative, powerhouse performance and an electrifying live score.

Directed by Ed Stambollouian and co-written with Jack Holden, the duo bring the immersive intensity of true crime podcasts to the stage. Holden, best known for his breakthrough one-man play Cruise, delivers a magnetic, shape-shifting performance as both narrator and characters. Meanwhile, composer John Patrick Elliott’s live onstage score transforms the theatre into a pulsing, cinematic soundscape.

With its bold fusion of storytelling, performance and music, KENREX will leave you questioning where justice ends and vengeance begins.

Who is in the cast of KENREX?

Jack Holden – Olivier-nominated for Cruise and known for Marriage, Ten Percent, and West End hit War Horse – stars in this electrifying one-person play. He leaps between characters in a high-octane blend of vocals, sound effects and song.

How to buy tickets to KENREX

You can book tickets for KENREX using the booking button on this page. When booking, you can select your desired seats and view ticket prices for this limited-run production.

What time are the performances?

The evening performance of KENREX usually takes place from Wednesdays to Saturdays at 7.30pm.

KENREX matinees usually take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2.30pm and Sundays at 3.30pm.

What is the running time of KENREX?

The running time for KENREX is two hours and 10 minutes.

The Other Palace venue details

The Other Palace theatre is located on Palace Street (SW1E 5JA), which is near iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park. 

How to get there: 

• Underground – The nearest Tube station is Victoria (Circle, District and Victoria lines), which is just an eight-minute walk from the venue. St James’s Park (Circle and District lines) is also within easy reach of the theatre. 
• Bus – The following buses stop nearby: 3, 11, 24, 26, 38, 44, 148, 170.
• Cycle – Hire a Santander Cycles bike and ride to The Other Palace. Docking stations can be found nearby on Warwick Row, Allington Street and Kings Gate House.

What is the age recommendation for this show?

KENREX is recommended for ages 12 and over. 

This production contains haze, flashing lights, strobe lighting, loud noises and gunshot sound effects. It also includes depictions of physical violence and death, strong language and references to grooming, rape, sexual and physical abuse, which may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Is KENREX a true story?

Yes, KENREX is based on a true story. It follows Ken Rex McElroy, a notorious small-town bully who ruled Skidmore, Missouri, through fear and intimidation during the 1980s. Rooted in real events, the story traces his reign of terror and the community’s dramatic response, which ultimately led to his death in 1981.

What other shows can I see in London?

Uncover another mystery with The Mousetrap, Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunnit that’s captivated audiences for decades at St. Martin’s Theatre. Or step into the festive season with a spellbinding adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, lighting up the Barbican Theatre with wit, romance and revelry.