This Regent’s Park Theatre production of To Kill A Mocking Bird is phenomenal! Every single thing about it is exceptional. It is the most wonderful piece of theatre I have ever had the pleasure to review.

Christopher Sergel’s stage adaptation is enthralling and Timothy Sheader’s enchanting direction brings Harper Lee’s classic novel to life, delivering a masterclass in the captivating art of storytelling. Jon Bausor’s set design embraces the very essence of childhood with its climbing tree, tyre swing and chalkboard floor, which is magically lit by Oliver Fenwick’s breathtaking lighting design, as an engaging troupe of delightfully gifted players, accompanied by the musical genius of Phil King’s haunting melodies, tell their tales.

The story is set in the Deep South in 1935 and told through the eyes of Scout, the feisty young daughter of a small town lawyer, Atticus Finch, who is determined to fight against racial injustice and hatred, in the hope of building a better and brighter future for all. A cast of sixteen seamlessly dip in and out of the action, as both narrators and characters, every single person vital to the plot and giving fully of their craft. Daniel Betts is superb as the level headed, reliable, Atticus as are the young performers who play his children. In this performance Jem was perfectly played by Billy Price, Rosie Boore was outstanding as Scout, and Milo Panni was adorably amusing as their friend, Dill.

Opening night at Malvern Theatres was a sell out and deservedly so. You really have to see this production, if you can get tickets. To Kill A Mocking Bird runs at the Festival Theatre until Saturday and then tours the country until July next year, finishing at the Barbican, London.   ★★★★★   Rob Holcroft     30/09/14