Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oscar winning writer Aaron Sorkin’s stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s literary classic To Kill a Mockingbird arrived at the Lowry this week as part of its first ever UK tour. Having received rave reviews on both Broadway and in the West End this much anticipated production directed by Tony award-winning director Bartlett Sher, is bold, necessary and profoundly affecting.

Set in the racially charged American South during the 1930s, To Kill a Mockingbird introduces us to important themes and unforgettable characters. Racial injustice, social inequality, human morality, male pride, empathy and the loss of innocence are woven into the tapestry of this captivating piece as we follow incredible character arcs that grip us from the start.

Lee introduces us to Alabama lawyer Atticus Finch (played tonight by John J. O’Hagan) who, committed to fighting injustice takes on the controversial case of Tom Robinson, (Aaron Shosanya) a local black man who has been falsely accused of raping white teenager, Mayella Ewell (Evie Hargreaves). This decision both impacts and exposes Finch’s children Scout (Anna Munden) and Jem (Gabriel Scott) to the harsh realities of racism and prejudice while posing questions about their own moral integrity and ability for empathy.

Events are told through the eyes of Scout, older brother Jem and Dill Harris (Dylan Malyn) who is visiting the neighbourhood for the summer. All three excel enormously in bringing a child-like innocence to their roles, high-spirited and filled with adventure they bring an easy light to the shade of this often-dark story, making Act 2 all the more impactful as innocence is lost and heartbreaking truths are revealed. Special mention must go to Dylan Malyn, making his professional debut as Dill, his joyful innocence feels all the more devastating as the reality of his homelife is later revealed.

Sorkin’s decision to have the courtroom action feature throughout the play rather than in one climactic scene works superbly, a decision which ensures the pace never wanes as the three children cleverly narrate flashbacks ensuring the storytelling remains clear and entirely captivating.

John J. O’Hagan makes for a tremendous Atticus Finch, he is calm, considered and utterly committed to the role, he carefully explores and exposes the emotional depth of Atticus as the story unfolds and he’s truly tested by the moral limitations of those around him. His scenes with Andrea Davy as an excellent Calpurnia act as a powerful example of the novels themes of moral integrity.

Oscar Pearce gives a dedicated performance as the loathsome Bob Ewell while Richard Dempsey as prosecuting attorney Horace Glimer is every inch as odorous as you’d expect him to be. Aaron Shosanya is utterly devastating in his portrayal of the falsely accused Tom Robinson. His quiet resignation to his wholly abhorrent fate is heartbreaking to watch, yet despite the cruelty and injustice he remains dignified throughout.

This is a stunning adaptation which succeeds entirely in bringing Lee’s characters to vivid life. While the source material was written in 1960 its themes, language and terrifying injustice sadly do not feel alien in today’s society particularly when we think about Trump’s America. This Mockingbird is powerful, engrossing and deeply poignant. Sorkin successfully retains the core essence of Lee’s classic novel while exposing a modern relevance reminding every theatregoer that we’re not just a viewing audience but morally we each have a societal role and responsibility to play.

To Kill a Mockingbird is on at The Lowry until Saturday 24th January tickets are available here.