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★★★★★
Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is currently touring the UK and Ireland, following on from a Broadway (2018-2022) and West End run (2022-2023) a few years ago. I first read Harper Lee’s novel at secondary school and it had a profound impact on me, so much so that I have reread it multiple times over the years. Consequently, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to watch the play live on stage this week when it arrived at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. The way that the book showcases both the innocence of childhood and the horrors of racial injustice in the 1930s was bound to make a complex piece of theatre and Aaron Sorkin’s captivating adaptation proves just how important Harper Lee’s narrative continues to be today.
Narration and storytelling
Contrary to the novel, Atticus (Richard Coyle) is the main character and Scout (Anna Munden), Jem (Gabriel Scott) and Dill (Dylan Malyn) lead audiences through this 2 hour 50 minute adaptation of Harper Lee’s literary masterpiece. The performers seamlessly transition from their narrator roles to being part of the story, gently guiding audiences through the many events of one specific Summer in the fictional Maycomb, Alabama. The storytelling is constantly fluid, with every scene change carefully curated to ensure there is no disconnect between narration and the main events. It is probably the best approach to narration that I have ever seen on stage, taking audiences through this timeless tale in the most enthralling way.
Set and lighting design
This production is a masterpiece in set design, specifically how to change locations in merely seconds. Set designer Miriam Buether has many locations to bring to life, including the Maycomb courtroom, the Finch’s porch and the Radley Place to name but a few, and it is incredible how moving various set pieces completely transforms the staging. This combined with atmospheric lighting design by Jennifer Tipton adapts the space for the many environments and varying levels of tension in the story.
Cast performances
Richard Coyle is a standout as Atticus Finch. The character is a role model for many and symbolises the importance of standing up for what is right against all opposition. You can’t help but champion the performer’s thoughtful and passionate portrayal, with the character’s trial closing statements acting as one of the most thought-provoking parts of the piece. Andrea Davy is also spectacular as the family cook Calpurnia, who supports Atticus and the children.
Furthermore, I couldn’t mention cast performances without highlighting Anna Munden, Gabriel Scott and Dylan Malyn’s turns as the three children. They each bring so much charisma and personality to their characters, providing moments of reprieve alongside the darkness of the story. Dylan Malyn’s Dill specifically is a beacon of joy and innocence, making audiences laugh thanks to his genuine kind heart.
All rise… for this Mockingbird masterpiece
Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is easily my top play of the year so far. The combination of the perfectly balanced narration, evolving set design and exquisite direction by Bartlett Sher make you truly believe that you are in Maycomb with these characters, experiencing the events first hand. Never hiding away from its complex themes, this adaptation is uncomfortable to watch in places, but this is proof of the strength in the storytelling and cast performances. You can catch the show in Canterbury until Saturday 21st March, with last minute tickets available via the theatre’s website. You don’t want to miss the chance to watch this fantastic adaptation of a literary classic.
*My ticket for ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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