David Bradley stars as Billy Casper in Ken Loach’s ‘Kes‘, with Lynne Perrie as his mother Mrs. Casper and Freddie Fletcher as his bullying brother Jud.
Main cast
- Billy CasperDavid BradleyMain
- Mrs. CasperLynne PerrieMain
- Jud CasperFreddie FletcherMain
Supporting cast
- Mr. FarthingColin WellandSupp
- Mr. GryceBrian GloverSupp
- Mr. CrossleyBob BowesSupp
- LibrarianBernard AthaSupp
- Billy’s Friend / MacDowallRobert NaylorSupp
- SugdenGeoffrey BanksSupp
- TibbutJohn AlanSupp
- HeadmasterGeorge SpeedSupp
Guest & voice
- Spitcher (school bully)Trevor HeskethGuest
- FarmerChic MurrayGuest
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About this cast
‘Kes’, directed by Ken Loach and released in 1969, is a landmark British film about a working-class Yorkshire boy who finds meaning in training a kestrel. The story centres on Billy Casper, played by David Bradley, and his troubled home life with his mother and older brother.
FAQs
Who plays Billy Casper in Kes?
David Bradley plays Billy Casper, the young protagonist who trains a kestrel. He won a BAFTA for Most Promising Newcomer for this role.
Who plays Mrs. Casper in Kes?
Lynne Perrie plays Billy’s mother, Mrs. Casper. She was in her thirties at the time, despite playing a mother of two teenagers.
Who plays Jud Casper in Kes?
Freddie Fletcher plays Jud, Billy’s older brother. He was a real-life miner from Barnsley who had never acted professionally before this film.
Who plays Mr. Farthing in Kes?
Colin Welland plays Mr. Farthing, the sympathetic English teacher. Welland was a BAFTA-winning actor and later wrote ‘Chariots of Fire’.
What was the filming location for Kes?
The film was shot on location in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, particularly around the Hoyland Common and Smithies areas.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026