The clever use of a projector to evoke memory and reflection by displaying the same scene as on stage but with a time lapse is genius and adds a dark and eerie atmosphere to the proceedings particularly in the opening scenes where prejudice and justice are sharply juxtaposed against each other. Scouts older alternate self is played by Jacqueline Wood who flits through the scenes tying them together seamlessly, her voice adds a narrative observation, a mature reflection that deepens the story’s meaning. Perhaps also the end scene could have benefited from this projector trick as it added such an unearthly feel.
The stage and lighting by Liam Doona and Richard G Jones added subtlety to the story’s mood but at the end it was a little too dark and a perfect moment when the projector would have been a welcome addition. The huge towering tree in the middle of the stage adds to the country feel and the building facades have been built beautifully to represent this era of southern depression.
Set in America’s Deep South during the 1930’s depression, To Kill a Mockingbird takes the viewpoint of Jem Finch played by Matthew Pattimore and Scout Finch played bubbly and irrepressibly by Grace Rowe. Dill, Scouts boyfriend stole many a scene for me, played with such cocky relish and youth by Graeme Dalling. The action opens in their lives of idyllic happy childhood adventures foreshadowing some of the darker themes encountered later in the play and the end encounter with the mysterious Boo Radley played by Matthew Rixon seals this story with a twist,. When their father Atticus Finch, played by Duncan Preston, defends a young black man falsely accused of raping a white woman their childhood innocence shatters under the realisation that bigotry and prejudice is what rules their small town in Alabama and also within themselves.
The intertwining stories deal with human prejudice and ignorance while the Boo Radley storyline is viewed with a comic twist that culminates in the two crashing together in a truly awe inspiring finale.
The white community know Tom Robinson, played incorruptible and honest by Cornelius Macarthy, is innocent. The onstage Chemistry between Atticus Finch (Duncan Preston) And Sheriff Heck Tate, played by Andy Hockley, is spell binding carrying the audience towards the plays explosive climax which is to be seen to be believed.
Robert Pickavance plays Judge Taylor wonderfully with condescending dismay and disdain as the lies unfold in his courtroom and the odd slip of Scottish accent simply enhanced his performance. The cast’s accents portrayed well a small 1930’s America thanks to Caroline Hetherington (voice coach).
The play exposes a white American community gripped by a fear that rests in their own ignorance. Modern parallels in our own society make this a poignant must see play and the writing is just as fresh nowadays as when it was first produced.
Luke Winterburn
YGG
For Tickets at York Theatre Royal see here yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
to Kill a Mocking Bird goes on tour see below
| February 28 | Southampton Mayflower Theatre | Buy Tickets | |
| March 7 | Cheltenham Everyman Theatre | Buy Tickets | |
| March 15 | Theatre Royal Nottingham | Buy Tickets | |
| March 21 | Bromley Churchill Theatre | Buy Tickets | |
| March 28 | Bradford Alhambra Theatre | Buy Tickets | |
| April 4 | New Victoria Theatre Woking | Buy Tickets | |
| April 18 | Theatre Royal Bath | Buy Tickets | |
| April 25 | Blackpool Grand Theatre | Buy Tickets | |
| May 2 | Richmond Theatre | Buy Tickets | |
| May 9 | Plymouth Theatre Royal | Buy Tickets | |
| May 16 | Wolverhampton Grand | Buy Tickets |
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