To Kill a Mockingbird, Barbican review: Culture Whisper says ★★★★★
If it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, it is most definitely a travesty to miss the revival of Christopher Sergel’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel. It sold out for two runs at Regents Park Open Air Theatre and broke the record as its fastest-selling production. Now after a nationwide tour, it will return to London for a month's run at the Barbican. And for this run only, Hollywood star Robert Sean Leonard reprises his role as Atticus.
About To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning tale of a racist and corrupt southern America shown through the eyes of gusty young Scout has sold over 30 million copies and introduced countless of people, young and old, to the magic of reading. The story's dramatic capacity was cemented with the hit film adaptation starring Gregory Peck. Christopher Sergel's sensitive stage adaptation combines the impact of the narrative, an evocative atmosphere of the deep south and the enthralling tension of the courtroom. Director Timothy Shreader reflects the novel's emphasis on story-telling by keeping staging and props understatedly simple.
Robert Sean Leonard: theatre triumph
His performance as the heroic lawyer Atticus Finch was so authentic and moving in the 2013 production, that expectation was high for Robert Sean Leonard's return to the stage. Our verdict: he was better than ever at the Barbican press night. The Tony-winning star shot to fame starring as troubled schoolboy alongside the late Robin Williams in hit film Dead Poets Society and has since become a household name playing the beleaguered but endlessly kind Dr Wilson in TV series House. He's a dab hand on stage too, and, in a chorus of good reviews for the production, it's the praise for Leonard's performance that sings the loudest.
Harper Lee: new book
The literary world was abuzz with excitement when, 55 years since To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee will publish a new book. A sequel for To Kill a Mockingbird, Go Set a Watchman follows Scout as an adult. Prepare yourself for the new book, by seeing To Kill a Mockingbird brought to life on stage.
What the kids say... ★★★★★
First of all, Timothy Sheader's direction is beautiful. The lighting is great. But what is mainly surprising and joyful is the cast. Mainly the children's cast were great. Ava Potter, Tommy Rodger and Connor Brundish were simply incredible as they held their role very well and acted it out sublimely well.
All in all the piece was beautiful, with all the actors playing very well
If it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, it is most definitely a travesty to miss the revival of Christopher Sergel’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel. It sold out for two runs at Regents Park Open Air Theatre and broke the record as its fastest-selling production. Now after a nationwide tour, it will return to London for a month's run at the Barbican. And for this run only, Hollywood star Robert Sean Leonard reprises his role as Atticus.
About To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning tale of a racist and corrupt southern America shown through the eyes of gusty young Scout has sold over 30 million copies and introduced countless of people, young and old, to the magic of reading. The story's dramatic capacity was cemented with the hit film adaptation starring Gregory Peck. Christopher Sergel's sensitive stage adaptation combines the impact of the narrative, an evocative atmosphere of the deep south and the enthralling tension of the courtroom. Director Timothy Shreader reflects the novel's emphasis on story-telling by keeping staging and props understatedly simple.
Robert Sean Leonard: theatre triumph
His performance as the heroic lawyer Atticus Finch was so authentic and moving in the 2013 production, that expectation was high for Robert Sean Leonard's return to the stage. Our verdict: he was better than ever at the Barbican press night. The Tony-winning star shot to fame starring as troubled schoolboy alongside the late Robin Williams in hit film Dead Poets Society and has since become a household name playing the beleaguered but endlessly kind Dr Wilson in TV series House. He's a dab hand on stage too, and, in a chorus of good reviews for the production, it's the praise for Leonard's performance that sings the loudest.
Harper Lee: new book
The literary world was abuzz with excitement when, 55 years since To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee will publish a new book. A sequel for To Kill a Mockingbird, Go Set a Watchman follows Scout as an adult. Prepare yourself for the new book, by seeing To Kill a Mockingbird brought to life on stage.
What the kids say... ★★★★★
First of all, Timothy Sheader's direction is beautiful. The lighting is great. But what is mainly surprising and joyful is the cast. Mainly the children's cast were great. Ava Potter, Tommy Rodger and Connor Brundish were simply incredible as they held their role very well and acted it out sublimely well.
All in all the piece was beautiful, with all the actors playing very well
by Théodore Dresch, age 14
| What | To Kill a Mockingbird, Barbican |
| Where | Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Barbican (underground) |
| When |
24 Jun 15 – 25 Jul 15, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Price | £19-£45 |
| Website | Click here to book via Barbican Centre |
