TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD: adapted for stage by Christopher Sergel

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD: Harper Lee, adapted Christopher Segel
New Vic Theatre, Newcastle Under Lyme
Review: Ranjit Khutan, 19 October 2004

A strong production of a play that still, unfortunately, has relevance today.Although now a classic tale, the issues unfortunately still have fresh relevance today. In staging this production, the New Vic continues to prove that it is a leader in providing high quality productions that not only entertain but also have affect on the social fabric of the local community at a deeper level.

Set in the 1930's in the fictional town of Maycomb Alabama, this is essentially a coming of age story, which tells of three young teenagers who are forced to shake off their childhood naiveties when they experience the harsh realities of prejudice that surround them. Jem and Scout's father Atticus - is a lawyer defending Tom Robinson (a black man) who is accused of raping a local (white) woman.

Jem and Scout along with their new friend Dill are drawn into these adult matters, gradually finding the comments of local people towards Tom Robinson unbearable.

Chris Monks directs and his use of the space (in the round) is both imaginative and telling. This is especially noticeable when Atticus subtly draws us in not merely as onlookers but as participants during his closing address to the jury.

Chloe Lang's Scout is energetic, her characterisation of childlike qualities in her questioning and actions bring depth to the character and allow key messages to be underlined. The rest of the cast are equally well placed in their roles and through their energy and passion they bring this piece to life.

Mayella Ewell: Jill Bailey
Miss Maudie: Janine Birkett
Jem: Dominic Brewer
Miss Stephanie: Eithne Browne
Tom Robinson: Louis Decosta Johnson
Dill: Gregor Henderson Begg
Mr Gilmer: Andy Hockley
Bob Ewell: Bret Jones
Scout: Chloe Lang
Reverend Sykes: Clive Llewellyn
Atticus Finch: Paul McCleary
Heck Tate: Terence Mann
Judge Taylor: Stephen Omer
Calpurnia: Kay Purcell

Director: Chris Monks
Designer: Jess Curtis
Music: Leon Hunt and Josh Clark
Lighting Designer: Daniella Beattie
Sound Designer: James Earls-Davis
Voice Coach: Mark Langley
Fight Director: Kate Waters
Stage manager: Andy Billington

2004-10-20 09:13:41