Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his shoes and walk around in it.”
– Atticus Finch
Harper Lee’s 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird has been one of my all-time favourite books since reading it as part of my GCSE English literature studies. As a teenager, I remember reading To Kill a Mockingbird and feeling, perhaps for the first time, the full force of what literature can do. Its characters, its moral clarity, and its quiet but insistent emotional power opened my eyes to the idea that a writer can shape not only a story, but a reader’s entire way of seeing the world.
The book continues to be studied around the world for its literary craft and social insight, regarded as one of the most important works in American literature. And despite being one of the most frequently banned books in the USA, it has remained continuously in print since publication.
I think that first experience really made me fall in love with reading, showing me how a story can feel personal but still speak to people everywhere, and how a book written long ago can still matter today - something last night’s performance made clear all over again.
Attending last night’s performance of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Theatre Royal Bath, I was struck by how thoughtfully this production reimagines Harper Lee’s classic for the stage. This much-praised Broadway and West End production was adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning writer Aaron Sorkin and brought to life under the imaginative direction of Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher.
This story is just as touching today as it has always been, and it was wonderful to see To Kill a Mockingbird brought onto the stage.
The book continues to be studied around the world for its literary craft and social insight, regarded as one of the most important works in American literature. And despite being one of the most frequently banned books in the USA, it has remained continuously in print since publication.
I think that first experience really made me fall in love with reading, showing me how a story can feel personal but still speak to people everywhere, and how a book written long ago can still matter today - something last night’s performance made clear all over again.
Attending last night’s performance of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Theatre Royal Bath, I was struck by how thoughtfully this production reimagines Harper Lee’s classic for the stage. This much-praised Broadway and West End production was adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning writer Aaron Sorkin and brought to life under the imaginative direction of Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher.
This story is just as touching today as it has always been, and it was wonderful to see To Kill a Mockingbird brought onto the stage.
Aaron Sorkin has enjoyed huge success in both theatre and film, and many people know him as the creator of the hit TV series The West Wing or as the writer of The Social Network, which earned him an Academy Award along with several other major honours. His stage adaptation of the beloved book has played on Broadway and in London's West End. Sorkin’s ambitious reworking for the theatre stage loses none of Lee's core storyline, but Sorkin does do what he does best and puts his own spin on it to create a gripping, fast-paced thriller for the modern audience.
With one of the strongest ensemble casts I've seen on stage this year, the whole team do a fantastic job in bringing these characters to life.
With one of the strongest ensemble casts I've seen on stage this year, the whole team do a fantastic job in bringing these characters to life.
Photo credit: Johan Persson
If you’ve read the book and know the story, you’ll notice a fresh twist in this adaptation: an older version of Jean Louise (Scout) steps in to guide us through the events. Scout, the sure, stubborn tomboy is vividly played by Anna Munden, who guides us through the play with a child’s-eye view of a father’s stand against racial injustice in the deep south of the mid-1930s. Gabriel Scott plays Jem, bringing to the stage a sense of authenticity and freshness to the character. And Dylan Malyn, impressively making his professional theatre debut, really stands out and steals every scene he’s in as Dill Harris.
Admittedly, I was a little sceptical at first about the decision to have young adult actors play the children, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. They bring such genuine innocence, joy and energy to their roles that you quickly forget their real ages. Their charming performances also provide a much-needed balance to the harsher moments in the story, helping to soften the impact of the shocking language, hatred and injustice that unfold elsewhere on stage.
Admittedly, I was a little sceptical at first about the decision to have young adult actors play the children, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. They bring such genuine innocence, joy and energy to their roles that you quickly forget their real ages. Their charming performances also provide a much-needed balance to the harsher moments in the story, helping to soften the impact of the shocking language, hatred and injustice that unfold elsewhere on stage.
Photo credit: Johan Persson
The production also stars acclaimed stage and screen actor Richard Coyle (Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, A Good Year, Macbeth, Fantastic Beasts: Secrets of Dumbledore) who returns to this iconic production as Atticus Finch, reprising the role he played in the 2022 West End Production. Coyle’s interpretation adds complexity, portraying Atticus as a wounded man dealing with his personal life as a single father alongside his professional and moral duties. The play presents Atticus Finch as a man with heart and dignity; an intelligent, active character rather than a passive one.
Photo credit: Johan Persson
This powerful production brings to life the timeless story of racial injustice, courage, and compassion, themes which continue to be as relevant today as they were when the book was first published. This riveting stage adaptation features a compelling portrayal of the story's themes of racial injustice and moral courage. Last night’s beautiful performance at Bath’s Theatre Royal was met with an enthusiastic and well-deserved standing ovation; a testament to the fantastic acting talent and this story’s enduring presence.
Now showing at Theatre Royal Bath Tuesday 11 – Saturday 22nd November. This one is not to be missed!