To Kill A Mockingbird Reviews

Sue Camp from Bucks, England

AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER

I feel priviledged to have seen this moving adaptation of the original book. Rafe Spaul captivating and sensitive performance as Atticus Finch demonstrates the vulnerability and determination of the man. At times I was moved to tears. The cast appear to be in harmony and the staging is excellent. I would thoroughly recommend this play.

from London, England

LOVED IT!

The acting was superb. It was a powerful play and took the audience’s breath away but also brought some laughs, tears and all the big feels. It was incredible and we would recommend it to everyone!

George from London, England

SIMPLY BRILLIANT

I absolutely loved this play. All the actors were excellent , the stage was cleverly adapted and I think it captured the books essence very well. Would highly recommend it, especially as we got cheap tickets on todaytix.

Terry Farley from London, England

STUNNING SIMPLY STUNNING

A emotional roller coaster of a evening . The cast as a whole was perfect and the script modernised by reflecting Trumps ‘ left behind ‘ voters echoing sadly eternal racism of the south .

Zoe Woodward from Brighton

POWERFUL, MOVED MANY OF US TO TEARS

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but frankly the comments in the previous review are laughable in their absurdity. Did she really need to see 12 people sitting in the jury? We all knew and in fact it was referenced during the play that they were all white people! The whole performance was captivating throughout and the occasional quips that made us laugh out loud provided a welcome relief to an otherwise very intense subject matter, rightly so. Each and every performance from the main parts to the small were effortlessly carried out and the stage sets were ingenious. A standing ovation from the whole audience said it all really.

Varda Tully from London, England

SUPERLATIVE ACTING ELEVATES AARON SORKIN'S MASTERFUL SCRIPT

So powerful. Superb acting. Masterful script. Wonderful sets and stage direction. So many audible intakes of breath as the audience immersed themselves completely. We were held captive from start to finish. The standing ovation and applause tells me I am not alone in my appreciation. This is one to see. Unforgettable.

from London, England

SUPERB

Waited 2 years to see this and wow, it was worth the wait. The positive reviews are spot on. All the cast shine, as does Aaron Sorkin’s reworking. The staging is ingenious. Felt emotionally drained by the end and some of the audience were in tears. It really is that good.

Jane from Windsor, England

POWERFUL

Compelling dialouge and acting, clever and almost sequenced dance like set changes. Emotionally lingers - very powerful

Maggie Dixie from London,England

SUBLIME

This is an amazing stage adaptation of an exceptional book/film. The casting is impeccable and the scene changes are seamless. My daughter and I were spellbound throughout the performance - completely immersed in the moment. The intensity of the story is tempered sympathetically with moments of relevant humour. I have no idea why previous reviewers found fault in the actors accents or the absence of actual jurors in the court scenes. Neither detracted from the essence of this wonderful play. A fantastic night out for adults and older children (12 years and older perhaps?) A truly deserved standing ovation from the audience at the end.

Chellie from London, England

LEFT ME SPEECHLESS

I have never felt so moved by a play before. The acting was outstanding, the set very clever and the atmosphere created throughout was as close to the book as a play could get. My husband and I laughed, cried and were deeply moved throughout. The only very slight criticism was the characterisation of Gem as he was a little too like forest gump which was annoying at times but he still played the character very well. Would highly recommend.

Tas seedat from London, England

AMAZING EXPERIENCE

This was an amazing theatre production. The actors are amazing. The performance was emotional. I loved it.

Kim Santana from London, England

A MUST SEE...

I have been waiting since pre-Covid to see this play & wasn't disappointed. The acting was superb. Never have I seen an audience so captivated with a play, not a whisper or rustle of food wrapping was heard. Contrary to other comments the accents didn't annoy me. Rafe Spall's portrayal of Atticus Finch was done well. My husband didn't know the story but now wants to read the book. I never went to the theatre expecting to see a full rendition of the book, I never thought the film did it justice, so how could a play? For those critics that expecting an exact reenactment of the characters in the book, I can only assume are naiave. It moved me to tears and portrayed the racism of the day and serves as a reminder that there is still much prejudice today.

Victoria McCabe from London, England

LOVED TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

True to the spirit of a novel I love so much I read every summer. Brimming with compassion .

Natalie from London, England

FAITHFULLY UPDATED VERSION

Aaron Sorkin is a genius. I’m not sentimental, but this version of TKaM had me quite sniffly by the end. A superb production, which referenced the rise in the US of the far-right, anti-semitism, racism while also, in the character of Atticus the kind of liberal guilt which seeks to do right, while not always getting it right. This was absolutely the best kind of theatre, riveting. Brilliant performances. I loved it.

from London, England

SO MOVING.

If I could give this 10 stars I would. Fantastic production. It’s not often I give a standing ovation but this is one show I did. Highly recommend.

Lynn from London, England

ENJOYED EVERY SECOND

Maybe am easily satisfied but I enjoyed this version as have read book and seen film countless times.

Helen from Pluckley, England

OUTSTANDING ACTING

Truly brilliant production. The acting and stage setting enabled an intense pace. Utterly absorbing. All of the actors (whether famed or not) were outstanding. Highly recommended.

Laura from London, England

OUTSTANDING AND GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY!!

Myself and my husband absolutely loved it although we were both moved to tears, as were many others watching. All the actors gave a great performance, with clever casting for the role of Scout as although the actress was an adult she very cleverly portrayed the innocence and mannerisms of a young girl.

Martyn Hopkins from Peterborough, England

EXCELLENT SHOW, MOVING, POWERFUL - A TOTAL PLEASURE

This show was, for me, an absolute joy, a real privilege to watch. I really enjoyed Matthew Modine as Atticus Finch, but the whole cast really pull together to make this a triumph. So many characters bring wonderful performances to make this play absolutely shine. Reading reviews posted previously, I take on board others views. It appears hardcore lovers of the book (and to some degree the film) didn’t like this interpretation, but I would just say this. Personally, I have seen the film, but not read the book. Don’t try to make comparisons with either, that’s dangerous ground. Look at it this way, chances are you know the story, so just go and be entertained for an afternoon or evening without any preconceived ideas, and let the production draw you in, and it absolutely will! It is another way to experience this story, that’s all. With an open mind, this play is wonderful and fantastic. We enjoy as many shows as poss, it’s the only West End show we booked tickets again immediately!!!

Barbara Clark from London, England

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

A MASTERPIECE!!! Aaron Sorkin is a genius and the acting was superb. I loved every second and couldn’t be happier and more grateful to have seen this in London. We are here on holiday and got the last 3 tickets same day 9th isle center stage.

Mike Yates from Albrighton Shropshire

A BRILLIANT PRODUCTION

A very brilliant and moving production of Harper Lees classic ,we where spellbound throughout the whole performance as where the rest of the audience hence the well deserved standing ovation at the end ,this is theatre at its best with all round outstanding performances .

Neil from London, England

GREAT SHOW

Only complaint was I couldn't here it all but then I am mutton. Great show and the acting was first class

Felicity from London, England

ALMOST PERFECT

Loved it, after waiting two years to see one of my all time favourite books on stage. Only disappointment was Atticus’ lack of subtlety and refinement. And the final scene seemed rushed after the preceding gentle pace.

Judy from London, England

GOOD ACTING AND RELEVANT ISSUEZ

The book is better but the play is worth seeing because the actors bring it to life with warmth and vitality. The adaptation is unfocused, especially after the trial the last part is unclear and sloppy. But it raises an issue that is not in the book: should you always try to understand others and see the good in them? The answer is open. I thought empty seats for the jury was a trick that seemed artificial and distracting. And yet it's an interesting evening with some first class acting (except the accents..)

Judith Lavender from London, England

DISAPPOINTING

We were greatly looking forward to it love the book love Aaron Sorkin. But we were disappointed Ralph Spall was cool not warm and charismatic. Thought the children were good

Geoff Young from London, England

ACCENTS!

Sorkin's trademark snappy dialogue worked well (to a point), and the performances were excellent. The accents were average at best and became an irritating distraction (what's wrong with just using the actors 'real' accents? We all know the story and how universal it is - why persist with a collection of poor southern twangs?!). In places it felt rather forced - Lee's novel doesn't smack you over the head in the way that this production tries its best to. The Dill character was a case in point. The production design was first class and, either it was too warm in the theatre, or the atmosphere mirrored the steamy, oppressiveness of the time and place where the scenes were originally set...

D from London, England

THEY KILLED A MOCKINGBIRD

Very disappointing experience. To be fair the lead Matthew Modine was good, but the rest of the cast with their fake southern accents struggled to be either understood or heard, indeed they often lapsed into an English accent! Having read both the book and of course seen Gregory Pecks interpretation on celluloid this play was a let down. In particular you had the 'children' looking in the early twenties, with Jem the same height at Atticus and in no way could you stretch your imagination to envisage them as 'kids' as is portrayed in the classic book. Again being fair I don't consider To Kill a Mockingbird a classic, simply an enjoyable book with engaging characters, but clearly some do. Nevertheless the play certainly didn't do the story justice and I wouldn't recumbent unless its to see him from''Stranger things"

Carolyn Pottinger from London, England

DISAPPOINTS

This is a pedestrian production which lacks a major stage presence, and curiously plays the script for laughs. Only Jim Norton shines as Judge Taylor. Jude Owusu is not given a chance to portray the tragedy of Tom Robinson. Why does a spotlight follow Atticus Finch as if he is a music hall entertainer? Why is the jury invisible? Didn't make it to the second half, such a shame.

Pearl from London, England

VERY DISAPPOINTING

I finished re-reading the book a few days before seeing this play. I first saw this on stage in the 80s and it was excellent so I knew it could have been done well. This production was very disappointing. The book children were charming and innocent. Stage children lacked these qualities and accents left a lot to be desired. My biggest disappointment was the role of Calpurnia. This character in the book was strong and tough and exhibiting grace that Scout admired. The stage Cal has been turned into the Angry Black Woman stereotype. So offensive. What on earth were they thinking? I re-watched the film to get he stage version out of my head.

Miguel Angel Santos from London, England

DISAPPOINTING

We were very excited to see the adaptation of Harper Lee’s but walked out of the theater very disappointed. Two essential reasons. First, the producers decided to replicate the structure of having the kids’ voices narrating the events; that works well in the book, but comes across as awkward and unnecessary in a play. Moreover, it destroys the experience of theater for viewers, which is based on the suspense and reflections needed to make sense of the play across scenes. Second, the producers have filled the play with little silly jokes, that come to destroy the highest emotional peaks created in the play - to no one’s benefit. They have plagued the crucial moments of the play with silly jokes that reduce the tension and destroy the momentum. Aside from that, the performances are ok - not outstanding, not poor - but the three hours seem to long for what they have to offer, and the whole event is somewhat tedious.

Tania from London, England

COULDN'T UNDERSTAND THE ACCENT

I am a regular theatre goer and never been disappointed with West End shoes. Up to now. The American accent was very strong, could understand only about 30%, the story telling is not clear, hence such low mark.

Lee from London, England

OLDEST 6 YEAR OLD YOU’LL EVER SEE !!!

Oh dear ! What on earth were The Producers thinking. They have, unbelievably, completely missed everything about this book that has made it so universally loved. CAST: FULLY GROWN ADULTS playing a 6 yo and a 10 yo (Scout & Jem) DOES NOT WORK !!! (Just take that in … twenty-somethings playing a 6 year-old and a 10 year-old !!!). Calpurnia seems to have been turned from a strong, resilient woman to a racial stereotype (ironic!). Acting, in general, seemed a little start-of-run unassuredness rather than nearing-the-end-of-run confidence. ACCENTS: Other reviewers saying that it doesn’t matter that accents ‘slipped’. It is not JUST an accent. Hearing THAT accent in relation to the issues addressed conjures a certain atmosphere and lends more to a production than just how the dialogue sounds. But that’s just it; the Producers just don’t get the nuances and passions in the book and so have none in their production. I paid to see a dramatisation of a classic, not some drama-teacher’s interpretation !! Maybe I caught the play on a bad night but from what I saw, the Producers should apologise to Harper Lee

Steph Carter from London, England

DISAPPOINTING

We were really looking forward to seeing this. Firstly the accents....? From the most moment they were shocking, unconvincing adults playing children has worked well in other shows..Blood Brothers , Matilda but here it just missed the mark. The stage was overcrowded and acting whilst scenery moved felt " messy". Loved Matthew Modine but sad to say we left after first half so as not to totally ruin our love of the book.

Thatcher Cardon from London, England (on holiday from the US)

HOPEFUL ANTI-RACIST NOVEL PROFANED.

This was a shameful perversion of the original. What was a hopeful book that championed dignity and restraint and general goodness was twisted by Sorkin to be a dark tension=fueling disgrace. Sorkin convicts and kills Robinson where Lee aquits and saves him. Sorkin makes Atticus a flawed, disrespected foil for being kind and tolerant where Lee championed goodness to the end. I wanted to scream.

Matt Magee from London, England

A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT

I really felt for the actors as they were doing their best with what was to my mind an adaptation that completely missed the mark in terms of tone, character and emotional depth. Cheap laughs and shallow sentimentality wrenched out of wooden, one-dimensional characters; facile, superficial, and in the end boring - an invitation for the audience to stroke their egos and congratulate themselves on being on the correct side of the political divide rather than a meaningful rendering of what is a complex and poignant story. Any hint of what could be uncomfortable or unsettling in the subject matter was glossed over with unnecessary and inappropriate jokes, peppered with explicitly contemporary political opining, pulling us out clumsily of the 30s and into the 2022s. I was shocked at the standing ovation — self-indulgent tosh, from the audience. Mob inanity — the cast did their best with it and hats off to them for giving it a go but as a work of art it did not hang together at all.

Brian Morgan from London, England

SHOUTY SUPERFICIAL CABARET OF NONSENSE

A terrible self-indulgent production. It seems that it wanted to be TV. Not theatrical - the sets were impressively choreographed and everything else is manipulation , over-explication and over-loud. Also it ruins any memory of the book. Avoid Go for a nice

Ingrid Geenen from Antwerp, Belgium

A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT

Harper Lee's book is one of my all time favourites. My sister and I had been looking forward to the play and made the journey from Belgium especially for it. We could have cried and shouted with disappointment and frustration!! From the first minutes, an uneasy feeling of irritation crept in, which only grew worse as the play dragged on. The absurd, failed southern accents, the horrible shouting voices of the "children", the way it played on cheap laughter. The first time the audience almost errupted with laughter, we were in shock!! Nowhere in the book is there any reason for bursts of laughter. Lee's Scout is endearing and brings smiles of recognition to the reader's face whereas the play completely misses all subtlety. Characters like Calpurnia, Jim, Dill, were made to look like charicatures. A missed opportunity to pay tribute to Lee's beautiful and delicately balanced novel. Read the book again. It does not need a theatrical version!

Frank from London, England

TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD

Very disappointing loved the book but this was poorly acted fake accents that were at times difficult to follow! And humour where was that in the book! Sadly only one star!!

J.M. from London, England

A HUGE DISAPPOINTENT

'To Kill a Mockingbird' is my favourite book, and so I was thrilled when my daughter bought me two tickets to the play for my birthday. Sadly, I came away bitterly disappointed. Aaron Sorkin's adaptation butchers this beloved classic. Changes were made, for no apparent reason in some cases and merely to fit a present day narrative in others. No, Mr Sorkin, the jury didn't make a swift decision over the guilt of Tom Robinson. Atticus didn't mutter 'You're welcome' to Calpurnia after telling her that he was taking on the case andTom was not shot 17 times. Finally, rather than having Atticus simply and calmly wiping saliva off his face when a post trial Bob Ewell spat at him, Sorkin had Atticus actually brawling with him; a complete betrayal of Harper Lee's beloved character. The sense of hope and change was completely absent and I was shocked by the sheer arrogance of the playwright, who appears to have missed the point of the book entirely. The actors did their best with a poor script but, if you have any fondness for the book at all, I suggest you give this travesty of a play a miss.

J.M. from London, England

A HUGE DISAPPOINTENT

'To Kill a Mockingbird' is my favourite book, and so I was thrilled when my daughter bought me two tickets to the play for my birthday. Sadly, I came away bitterly disappointed. Aaron Sorkin's adaptation butchers this beloved classic. Changes were made, for no apparent reason in some cases and merely to fit a present day narrative in others. No, Mr Sorkin, the jury did not make a swift decision over the guilt of Tom Robinson, Atticus didn't mutter 'You're welcome' to Calpurnia after telling her that he was taking on the case, and Tom was not shot 17 times. There were many more anomalies. Finally, rather than having Atticus simply and calmly wiping saliva off his face when a post trial Bob Ewell spat at him, Sorkin had Atticus actually brawling with him; a complete betrayal of Harper Lee's dearest character. Subtlety was completely absent, as was any sense of hope and change. I was shocked by the sheer arrogance of the playwright who appears to have missed the point of the book entirely; replacing nuance with a ham fisted, mediocre revision. The actors did their best with a poor script but, if you have any fondness for the book at all, I suggest you give this travesty of a play a miss.

Jen from London, England

TEDIOUS - A WASTE OF MONEY

I thought I was having an off day, but it seems not having seen some of the genuine reviews on this website. I found this play very amateurish and tedious. The accents were overplayed which made some of the dialogue hard to decipher in places. The injection of silly jokes here and there was completely inappropriate and trivialised the seriousness of the story. I was ready to leave at the interval but decided to see it through. The second half gained slightly more momentum, but in my opinion, a great opportunity lost. The standing ovation was embarrassing, the play did not do justice in portraying such a powerful story.

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