My Boy Jack

Prior to the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, John (Jack) Kipling, the only son of the famous English writer and poet Rudyard Kipling, declares his intention to join the Royal Navy. His father arranges several appointments for him to enlist in both the Navy and the Army, but the boy’s poor eyesight prevents him from passing the medical examinations. Kipling uses his influence to secure Jack an officer’s commission with the Irish Guards. Jack’s mother and sister are against him being sent to France but his father encourages his son to do his duty.

The play examines the conflict and anguish within the family as a result of the subsequent tragic events.

‘My Boy Jack’ was adapted in 2007 as a television drama by David Haig, who also played the part of Rudyard Kipling. It is being staged by the Garrick in commemoration of the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, one hundred years ago.