To Kill a Mockingbird Review: Theatre at Its Very Best

Rating:   * * * * *

A first-class production in every element of the play.

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novella is a much-loved book and well-studied piece of literature that appeared for many years on the GCSE English Literature syllabus. Generations of us have grown up with this sorry tale which addresses the frustrations of racial hatred and injustice; moral prejudice and mob mentality.  Sadly, not just in ‘broken Britain’ today but across the globe, many of these atrocities are rearing their heads and creating further divides between neighbours, cultures and religion.

This production had to remain close to the original narrative to ensure success – which it did, however slight adaptations obviously were made for the stage.  Aaron Sorkin’s play, superbly directed by Bartlett Sher, was en-pointe cleverly capturing the characteristics which make many of Lee’s protagonists so treasured. 

Lee’s 13 year old construct, Scout, narrates both in the book and play. Anna Munden brilliantly executes the childlike mannerisms, playful sibling humour and enthusiasm on stage in her dungarees.  Her delivery is utterly believable and of enjoyment to the audience. The same can be said of her brother Jem (Gabriel Scott) and Dill (Dylan Malyn) who incidentally, was making his stage debut. Sorkin and Sher had decided to make Dill more appealing, likeable and funny whilst remaining vulnerable. Making the audience feel sorry for him instead of being frustrated by his annoying antics and blunt comments in the book.  This innocence was still in-keeping with the original character albeit ‘his edges were smoothed.’ Atticus is played by a masterful Patrick O’Kane whose performance grows in momentum as the play progresses. At times gentle and funny, he is never anything less than riveting, commanding the stage in tense courtroom scenes which really steal the show.  Tom Robinson (Aaron Shosanya), played his character as imposing, quiet, respectful and accepting of his fate. It was emotional to watch whenever he was in a scene. Luckily, this was juxtaposed by Calpurnia (Andrea Davy) who was sassily passively aggressive and quick witted.  Her comedic timing was exceptional. 

To Kill a Mockingbird’s language retains the power to shock, the hooded Klan remain menacing and the racist courtroom outbursts by accuser Mayella Ewell and her abusive father Bob Ewell, a menacing Oscar Pearce, leave you stunned and speechless.

This is an extremely strong cast and it’s fair to say no one puts a foot wrong with every single actor deserving the standing ovation they receive from a packed Empire. To Kill a Mockingbird is theatre at its very best.

Photo Credit: Aaron Shosanya