Originally published in 1960 by American author Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird is adapted for the stage by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Bartlett Sher. This is courtroom drama at its best.
Although it was written in the late 1950s, To Kill A Mockingbird is set in the 1930s in Maycomb, Alabama. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, played by Anna Munden. Scout observes and narrates the scenes as an adult looking back on herself as a child aged around six years old alongside Jem and their friend Dill, played by Dylan Malyn.
Narrating the scenes through the eyes of a child brings the messages more sharply into focus. The actors manage to pitch their roles in the most believable way, through childhood innocence.
Scout’s father, Atticus Finch, played by Richard Coyle, is a lawyer, and her older brother, Jem, is played by Gabriel Scott. Atticus is asked by Judge Taylor (played by Stephen Boxer) to defend Tom Robinson (played by Aaron Shosanya) a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman – Mayella Ewell (played by Evie Hargreaves).
If he is found guilty, the sentence is the death penalty.
Atticus takes on the case in a community with deeply ingrained racism and prejudice. Robinson is clearly innocent, as Atticus proves he could not have inflicted the injuries he was accused of, but Bob Ewell (played by Oscar Pearce) alongside his daughter Mayella, sets the jury against them with their racist tirade.
Evie Hargreaves is excellent in the role of Mayella. She is clearly a victim of abuse by her father, but she is also a racist – this could be driven by the desire to avoid further punishment at the hands of her father.
The children are intrigued by Boo Radley, who is played by Harry Attwell. He is seen as being an outcast in the community and different to others, and is accused of crimes he did not commit. His acts of kindness go unnoticed until the closing scenes.
The casting is superb. Richard Coyle’s portrayal of Atticus is excellent as he comes across as trustworthy and empathetic with a clear sense of right and wrong, even when he is pushed to the limit presenting a mountain of evidence against Robinson’s accusers.
Aaron Shosanya plays the kind, honest, and hardworking Tom Robinson beautifully. Anna Munden as Scout, alongside Gabriel Scott and Dylan Malyn are the perfect trio, observing the proceedings, and making their own interpretation with a developing sense of right and wrong. Their crucial role in storytelling adds perspective.
Sadly, many of the themes still resonate today, and leave a timely reminder to think about what it would be like to take a walk in someone else’s shoes.
★★★★
Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mocking Bird is at Curve Theatre until Saturday, November 1.
Tickets £10-£56
