When To Kill a Mockingbird is staged with care, it transcends its historical setting; it does not feel like a period piece, but a mirror held up to society.
The current UK tour, opening at Leeds Playhouse before embarking on a nationwide run, shows that Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation still speaks urgently to our present moment.
Its themes of racial injustice, moral courage and empathy resonate powerfully, especially given ongoing discrimination and inequality across the UK.
While the novel and its adaptations have faced criticism, particularly around the centring of Atticus Finch and the limited complexity of Black characters, this production encourages audiences to grapple with these questions while appreciating Harper Lee’s enduring moral vision.
Image - Supplied (Johan Persson)
At the heart of the production is a talented cast led by Richard Coyle as Atticus Finch. Coyle anchors the tour with integrity and gravitas, embodying the quiet courage of a man determined to uphold justice even when the world opposes him. The large ensemble visually conveys the entrenched white supremacy of Maycomb, heightening the tension and grounding the story’s moral stakes in a palpable social reality.
The children, Jem, Dill and Scout played by Gabriel Scott, Dylan Malyn and Anna Munden, serve as narrators, a deliberate dramatic device that offsets the courtroom’s intensity with moments of levity and playful observation. This perspective injects a raw authenticity, as their curiosity and moral questioning guide the audience through the story, demonstrating how innocence and discovery can illuminate complex social issues.
The performances throughout are exemplary. Anna Munden, as Scout, shines with a blend of youthful energy and emotional depth, capturing the character’s growth from wide-eyed innocence to a source of strength and insight for her family. Andrea Davy brings Calpurnia vividly to life, expanding the role beyond its periphery in the novel to offer a commanding voice and an emotional lens into the Black community’s experiences.
Image - Supplied (Johan Persson)
Aaron Shosanya’s portrayal of Tom Robinson is both heartbreaking and captivating, particularly in Act 2 when he admits the fateful truth that he felt sorry for Mayella. Shosanya’s control and stage presence make the injustice he faces impossible to ignore, forcing the audience to confront the human cost of systemic discrimination.
The set design is equally impressive. The steel framework running through the stage serves as a stark visual metaphor for the cold rigidity of societal prejudice, while its versatility allows the space to shift from the imposing courtroom to the intimate warmth of Atticus’s home. Lighting, sound and carefully chosen props enhance these transitions, immersing the audience fully in the contrasting worlds of public judgment and private compassion.
Image - Supplied (Johan Persson)
Ultimately, this production makes clear that To Kill a Mockingbird is not just a story of the past; it is a call to action. Its exploration of bias, inequality and moral courage resonates powerfully today, challenging audiences to reflect on their own communities and responsibilities. The play is a reminder that while we cannot erase injustice overnight, we can recognise it, confront it and strive to do better.
In doing so, it affirms the continued relevance of Harper Lee’s work and the urgent need for empathy and moral courage in our own time.
To Kill a Mockingbird is on at the Leeds Playhouse until Saturday 4 October, you can get your tickets here.
Leeds City Council has confirmed that work to stabilise buildings on Lower Kirkgate is set to begin later this month, with repairs expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
Back in 2024, Lower Kirkgate in Leeds city centre was closed following the partial collapse of a building, leaving one of the city's oldest streets inaccessible.
Since then, the street has remained closed while plans were developed to address the structural issues affecting the buildings.
Now, almost two years after the initial incident, the council has confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to carry out the work.
The buildings are privately owned, but Leeds City Council says it will step in to carry out the stabilisation work to prevent further deterioration and protect the historic properties.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We are pleased that, following months of careful planning and preparation, we are now in a position to begin stabilising these privately owned buildings.
“A contract has been awarded for the work, which is scheduled to get under way later this month and is expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
“It should be stressed that the situation on Lower Kirkgate is not of the council's making, with the owners of the buildings allowing their condition to deteriorate over many years and then failing to take the necessary steps to address the resultant structural issues.
“By stepping in and carrying out this work itself, the council will be able to arrest the deterioration of important heritage assets on one of Leeds’s oldest streets. As always, we thank the local community for their continued patience and support.”
Further details about the work, including when the street may be able to reopen, have not yet been confirmed.
Canadian rock legends Nickelback announce Leeds gig on huge world arena tour
Clementine Hall
Nickelback announce world arena tour in support of their new album - and they're coming to Leeds.
The Canadian rockers will be bringing their biggest hits as well brand-new music to arenas around the world.
Formed in Hanna, Alberta, the band made up of Chad Kroeger, Ryan Peake, Mike Kroeger and Daniel Adair, have sold nearly 65 million albums worldwide.
Best known for rock anthems including Rockstar, Photograph and How You Remind Me, Nickelback have built up a huge global following over the course of their career.
The upcoming tour will see the band celebrate their new album, Everything Under The Sun, and they'll be kicking off the UK leg of the tour right here in Leeds at the First Direct Bank Arena.
The tour follows their record-setting Get Rollin' world tour, and will once again take them to venues across North America, Europe, and Australia.
The group have sold nearly 65 million albums worldwide, and achieved billions of streams across digital platforms.
Their new album will be released at the end of the month on Friday 30 October, so you'll have plenty of time to get to know their new tracks before they come to Leeds on Saturday 22 May 2027.
They'll be supported on the tour by Don Broco, an English four-piece featuring Rob Damiani, Simon Delaney, Tom Doyle and Matt Donnelly. Known for their genre-defying sound and dynamic approach to modern rock.
Nickelback 2027 UK Tour Dates in full
22 May - Leeds First Direct Bank Arena
24 May - London The O2
28 May - Birmingham Utility Arena
1 June - Glasgow Ovo Hydro
2 June - Manchester Co-op Live
Tickets for Nickelback at the Leeds First Direct Arena go on sale next Friday 16 October and you can get yours HERE.
Declan Kelly -
18th September 2025 
