Since its release in March 2022, To Kill a Mockingbird has been performing in front of sold-out audiences in Gielgud theatre in the form of a scintillating theatrical play. The play is based on the book by Harper Lee and so the story follows the journey of Atticus Finch who is defending Tom Robinson in a court case against a white racist who accuses him of rape. 

The play was filled to the brim with excellent performances, especially from Matthew Modine (Atticus Finch), Anna Munden (Scout Finch) and Jude Owusu (Tom Robinson) among others. Each member of the cast filled their role with perfection, completely immersing the audience into the story with their specially-put-on Alabama accents.  

The main villain of the story is Bob Ewell, who tries to use his race and influence to unjustly have Tom Robinson sent to death row and executed for a crime that he did not commit. The play explores themes of racism and justice in the American state of Alabama at the time where racism and prejudice were very prominent problems in society.

The play is overall extremely enjoyable, but it should be watched by older children and adults due to heavy themes. However, this should not take away from the hilarious humour throughout the play to engage the audience and break the air of tension in the theatre.  One member of the audience, Kalpana Thakrar, said that “There was a perfect balance between seriousness and humour – This is one of the best plays that I have ever seen.” It is definitely not one to be missed.