TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Produced by Regent's Park Theatre Ltd, Fiery Angel, Adam Spiegel and William Village)

This Regent’s Park Theatre production of To Kill A Mocking Bird is phenomenal! Everything 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.

5 STARS

ADRIAN'S WALL

Malvern Forum Theatre

(Produced by Nick Wilkes & Malvern Theatres)

Writer in Residence at Malvern Theatres, Nick Wilkes, is clearly on a creative roll, presenting his latest play, Adrian’s Wall, only a couple of months after his last, Mog Bridges, which saw a Morgan car make its theatrical debut on the main stage. This time he divided the auditorium in the Forum theatre with Hadrian’s Wall, leaving audience members choosing tickets on the North or South side of the wall; a very poignant action during the week of the Scottish Referendum. On this occasion though, it was clear that there wasn’t any divide when it came to enjoyment of the show.

Inspired by a primary school project and personal issues, mild mannered, Adrian (Robert Temple), decides to embrace his midlife crisis and walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall. Despite a mass appeal to friends and family it looks as if it will be a solo mission until he is joined, last minute, by his Neanderthal builder mate Bryan (Rob Keeves) and bookworm Nevil (Murray Andrews), of whom he has little recollection from his schooldays. Before the day is out, a mysterious stranger, Stuart (Adrian Ross-Jones), joins them to become an integral part of their adventure. Their individual lives unravel on the wall as stories are told, perceptions are challenged, friendships develop and personal awakenings occur.

Wilkes is an eloquent writer and has a great sense of comedy and storytelling, which is perfectly executed by the performers under the creative vision of director, Jon Legg, who fully utilises and explores the traverse staging throughout the eighty-four mile physical and metaphorical journey of each character. All of the actors are excellent in their roles and give an immensely slick performance and Pippa Meekings, along with both the director and writer, make excellent cameo appearances.

Even though this is an epic three hours long, with interval, it doesn’t drag. Having said that it could easily be edited down to a more palatable sojourn. However, this is a funny and heart-warming production and definitely worth seeing. Nick Wilkes is a credit to Malvern Theatres and deserves the following that his is achieving with his writing. This production wonderfully supports the Help The Heroes campaign and runs until Saturday.

LOTTY'S WAR

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Lotty's War Ltd & Guilford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre)

Already inspired to write about the 1940’s German occupation of his homeland, Guernsey, it was Giuliano Crispini’s discovery of a long forgotten dairy, written on tomato packing paper, that led to the publication and performance of his first play, Lotty’s War. This young girl’s eye opening account of survival during five years of living under German rule makes for an engaging story and one that easily rivals Kindertransport.

The action commences on the day that the Luftwaffe launched attacks on Guernsey and Jersey, resulting in the death of Lotty’s father, leaving her to become a prisoner in her own home, when it is commandeered by a German General who also exiles her childhood friend from her life. A resourceful and capable person, Lotty adapts in order to survive, as do all of the islanders, with unforeseen consequences.

Victoria Spearing has created the most beautiful and captivating setting with her set design that provides the perfect home for Bruce Guthrie’s ingenious direction, as he moves the action fluidly through the years. Special mention has to be made of Mike Walker’s complex sound design, which subtly and powerfully underscores the entire production.

Star of Larkrise to Candleford, Olivia Hallinan, is absolutely stunning in the eponymous role. Her focus and character never faltering, enchanting the audience with her honest and truthful portrayal of this girl thrust from idyllic innocence into the harsh reality of war. Adam Gillen, well known for his role in the hit TV series Benidorm, is perfectly awkward and nervous in his pursuit of Lotty’s love and affection leaving him troubled during their enforced separation with disturbing consequences. Mark Letheren is brilliantly unnerving as General Rolf Bernberg and superbly captures the dichotomy of his role as a soldier and a human being.

This is a wonderful show of talent and story telling that educates and enthrals in equal measures. It is so apt at this time of remembrance and a must see for all ages prior to it's West End run. I’m sure it won’t be long before this is a set text in schools, if it’s not already. Lotty’s War is at Malvern Festival Theatre until Saturday before carrying on tour.