To Kill a Mockingbird at Birmingham Hippodrome Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Catherine Brown
The award-winning stage adaptation of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is currently being performed at Birmingham Hippodrome. Originally a Pulitzer prize winning novel by Harper Lee, later a 1962 film starring Gregory Peck, this version was adapted by Aaron Sorkin and is directed by Bartlett Sher.
The story is set in a fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930s, at a time when racial prejudice and social hierarchy were prevalent. Scout and Jem are the children of Atticus Finch (played by Patrick O’Kane), who along with their friend Dill are invested in the case their father is defending . The white lawyer is keen to get justice for Tom Robinson, a young black man who has been falsely accused of rape . Much of the play takes place in the courtroom, where irrefutable evidence goes up against the prejudices of the white jury.
Scout, Jem and Dill are observers who break the 4th wall to give observations of the events and characters as they unfold. Scout in particular, played endearingly by Anna Munden, shares her knowledge of the justice system, which gives the audience greater information about the laws and terminology used. It was fascinating to see that this was the stage debut for Dylan Malyn playing Dill Harris, a naïve boy neglected and abandoned by his family. Accuser Mayella Ewell (Evie Hargreaves) and her father Bob Ewell (Oscar Pearce) also stood out for me as portraying their less likeable characters well. Key facts about the characters and the case were gradually revealed and even though the outcome felt obvious, the twist in the 2nd half gave an extra element of natural justice.
Lines that stuck with me were ’I was guilty as soon as I was accused’ spoken by Aaron Shosanya playing Tom Robinson and ‘That man is not one of us’ aimed at Atticus Finch – implying that he was not following the social order and superiority of the region. The story is dramatic and at times distressing but thought provoking. Scenes involving the intimidation from white supremacists were a difficult watch but key to the story. I can understand why there is a 12+ age guidance, however I feel the message is an important one for all ages to hear.
The staging and props were minimal but well thought out, such as the use of freestanding windows and doors to imply the boundary of rooms or buildings. Key scenes often centred around the porch of the Finch family home and you did get a feeling of a Southern community where people knew their place. As the story progresses you see the realisation from the children that not everyone is treated fairly and that even the people they love can be flawed.
To Kill a Mockingbird is at Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Southside
Birmingham, B5 4TB until 18th April before continuing to tour the country.
Tickets cost from £20 and can be purchased at To Kill A Mockingbird – Birmingham Hippodrome or by calling the box office on 0121 689 3000.
Rating: 5/5
Photos by Johan Persson
To Kill A Mockingbird