To Kill A Mockingbird at Wyndham’s Theatre Review
Written by Annie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
After a 4 year hiatus, Aaron Sorkin's hit adaptation of Harper Lee’s prominent gothic novel To Kill a Mockingbird returns to the West End after a UK tour for a limited 11-week run. Following its previous success, it is fair to say stakes were high, but there is no doubt this return delivers a performance just as powerful as ever.
Transported back to 1934 Alabama, we are dropped right into the turbulent trial of Tom Robinson - a clearly innocent black man who has been accused of raping a white farm girl. It is quickly apparent that the odds are not in Robinson’s favour, with the jury consisting of 12 white, male farmers. Attempting to defend his life the well respected counselor Atticus Finch. A true “do-gooder” and capable of only seeing what is right, he believes that, despite the social prejudices in place, justice will prevail.
Witnessing the entire trial are Atticus’ children; Scout and Jem, as well as their quirky friend Dill. It quickly highlights the end of their innocence, a thrust into the harsh reality of the world, despite their father’s efforts to ensure they always see the best in people. The three children - played by Anna Munden (Scout), Gabriel Scott (Jem) and Dylan Malyn (Dill) narrate the play and ensure the story is kept on track whilst providing outside noise to the main drama. Munden is excellent as Scout, a true standout of the performance - her girlish innocence excellently contrasts the composure of her narration. Malyn makes his stage debut as Dill - who initially seems oblivious to how ditsy he is, ends up being one of the most intelligent and aware characters.
Richard Coyle’s Atticus Finch is as lovable and pitiable as you’d hope for. Admirable for his constant will to do right by people and always see the best in them, yet it’s hard to not pity Finch as his strength is also the cause of his weakness and breaking point. So convinced is he that people can still be good despite apparent bad traits, he is so confident he can win the trial for Robinson, that the eventual and sadly expected outcome feels an even harder pill to swallow.
Miriam Buether's staging returns and is as successful as before. Sleekly transporting us between scenes and stages of the story. Moving seamlessly on rolling platforms, and additional staging elements being moved by the cast, it keeps the pace of the production up to speed with the quick, punchy dialogue. However, as there are no pauses for scene changes, it does unfortunately mean that at times the dialogue is hard to hear as they intertwine.
The expansion of the role of Finch’s housemaid Calpurnia is a clever choice - she has far more licence and influence over Atticus, it keeps the main problems at the heart of the story, and forces Atticus to check his own behaviour at many points of the play. Tom Robinson is portrayed by Aaron Shosanya, who plays the frightened man with quiet composure. It does feel like the character has not quite been as explored as possible, however, Shosanya’s quieter take on the role creates an even more sympathetic reception for Robinson, as you can’t miss the fear and acceptance he knows of his fate from the very start.
Sorkin’s adaptation of Lee’s important book is an excellent homage to its importance. Retaining the pain, hatred and societal contrasts - it makes it a hard yet important pill to swallow. Excellently challenging civility and human nature, it is as clever as it is painful, and there is no doubt it will stay with you for a long time, even after leaving the theatre.
To Kill A Mockingbird plays at the Wyndham’s Theatre until 12 September.
★★★★★
