Review

To Kill A Mockingburd

Theatre Royal,

Bath

TO Kill a Mockingbird is one of the true legends of our time, without marketing or debate; it has become a cornerstone both of our educational system, and of our perceptions of the black and white divide in the Deep South.

The story of six-year old Scout, as she lives her small, carefree life to the full, before it comes crashing down around her ears, is one that has been told many times. Despite this, at the Bath Theatre Royal, magic was made.

It began with an odd arrangement, total silence, with the entire cast assembled facing the audience, having arrived from the wings. Each of their number clutched a copy of Harper Lee’s seminal work, and from this they began to read. As an introduction to each scene, as a transition, as an indication of the inner thoughts of little Scout, this kept the audience's  attention invested throughout.

None of this would have been possible without a cast to match the ambition of this innovative production, and, indeed they had one.

Ava Porter, as the young Scout, gave something of a tour de force, combining a wonderful Southern accent with bundles of energy, she burst from every scene. Daniel Betts, as the torn and tired Atticus Finch, gave his role gravitas. Also worthy of mention are Connor Brundish as the irrepressible Dill and Zackary Momoh as Tom Robinson, both made a great deal out of the time they were on stage.

A triumph of theatre, this is well worth a visit, from young and old alike.

To Kill a Mockingbird is on at Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday, January 17.

Marion Sauvebois