One-Man True Crime Show 'Kenrex' Captivates Audiences

Jack Holden's solo performance brings the infamous Ken Rex McElroy story to life on stage

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:58am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a tattered, worn theater curtain in deep red and black hues, creating a high-contrast, gritty aesthetic that evokes the suspenseful atmosphere of a true crime story.The weathered, textured curtain of the theater stage sets the tone for the immersive true crime drama of 'Kenrex'.Skidmore Today

Jack Holden's one-man theatre production 'Kenrex' is redefining the landscape of modern theatre. The show, which centers on the true crime story of Ken Rex McElroy's reign of terror in Skidmore, Missouri, has captivated audiences with Holden's virtuosic performance, blending distinct character voices, physicality, and live musical accompaniment to create a minimalist yet immersive experience.

Why it matters

Kenrex represents a bold new direction for true crime storytelling, proving that a stripped-back, solo theatrical format can be just as compelling as more traditional multi-actor productions. Holden's ability to embody a diverse cast of characters and sustain the narrative tension through vocal and physical performance alone has earned widespread critical acclaim, suggesting the potential for this innovative approach to revitalize the theatre landscape.

The details

In Kenrex, Holden portrays approximately 20 different residents of Skidmore, each with their own distinct accent, vocal quality, and mannerisms. Working in tandem with guitarist John Patrick Elliott, Holden crafts a vivid, immersive world that compels the audience to actively imagine and infer, rather than passively observe. The production's minimalist design, with no costume changes, forces Holden to rely on his virtuosic performance skills to bring the characters to life.

  • Kenrex premiered at Sheffield in October 2026 and later moved to a sold-out run in London.
  • The production is currently playing at The Other Palace in London for a winter run.

The players

Jack Holden

The writer, performer, and co-creator of Kenrex, known for his dynamic one-man shows and ability to inhabit a diverse range of characters through vocal and physical transformations.

Ed Stambollouian

Holden's co-creator, who collaborated with him to find a compelling true crime narrative suitable for the stage.

John Patrick Elliott

The guitarist who provides live musical accompaniment, enhancing the atmosphere and helping to sell the illusion of a larger world within the minimalist stage.

Ken Rex McElroy

The infamous figure who terrorized the town of Skidmore, Missouri, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, serving as the central character in Kenrex.

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What they’re saying

“The show's success hinges on the audience's willingness to imagine and infer, making the experience actively participatory rather than a passive viewing.”

— Jack Holden, Writer, performer, and co-creator of Kenrex

“Even as the production moves to a bigger venue with added lighting and sound cues, Holden asserts that the core show remains intact. The performance is still supported by Elliott's lively Americana music, which enhances the atmosphere and helps sell the illusion of a larger world within a minimalist stage.”

— Jack Holden, Writer, performer, and co-creator of Kenrex

What’s next

Holden hints that Kenrex could travel to the United States, and he's already developing additional true-crime theatre projects with Ed Stambollouian, including another undisclosed British true-crime piece and a separate intriguing project he will perform.

The takeaway

Kenrex demonstrates the power of minimalist, solo theatrical performances to captivate audiences and redefine the boundaries of modern theatre. Holden's virtuosic embodiment of multiple characters and the show's ability to immerse the audience in a true crime narrative through active participation suggest a promising future for this innovative approach to storytelling.