To Kill a Mockingbird WYP Leeds theatre reviews UK

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REVIEWS

To Kill a Mockingbird

West Yorkshire Playhouse Leeds ENGLAND

Has anything changed?

Does man learn? This story, written by Nelle Harper Lee about prejudice, touched on a raw nerve when it first appeared before the public and today you have to ask, has anything changed? You have to see this play, dramatised by Christopher Sergel, and make your own mind up; no one can do it for you. The situation is pushed forcibly into your face, leaving you wondering how things can still go wrong when the evidence is in front of you.

This play, directed by Michael Buffong, deals with the prejudice that existed against black Americans in the 1930s. A lawyer, Atticus Finch, nicely played by Duncan Preston, defends a black man Tom Robinson, played by Vinta Morgan, who is accused of the rape of a white girl. All is not what is presented in court, but it makes no difference to the outcome of the trial. The children, naive in their years, are carried along with the story and are amazed by the verdict given by the jury. It is difficult to work out who is on the side of justice in this heavily one sided time in which to live.

Together as one: Vinta Morgan and Duncan Preston
The cast is full of actors who give credence to their characters, working against the backdrop of a set designed for adaptability by Simon Higlett and lit by Johanna Town. All come together to give the audience a lot to think about as they make their way home in a world that seems to have changed little. An interesting evening at the theatre. © BA

“To Kill a Mockingbird” is in Leeds on the 8th September until the 7th October, 2006 then continues on tour. Council car parking charge £1 from 5.30pm until 10pm. This is now a No Smoking theatre.

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