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.
Norfolk-based jewellery brand Lisa Angel is opening their first Yorkshire site right here in Leeds.
Jewellery and trinket lovers, this one's for you.
Lisa Angel, a female-founded jewellery and gifting brand will open the doors to its new store in Victoria Gate next month.
Shoppers can expect a wonderful range of jewellery, gifts, and accessories that have established a loyal following during more than twenty years of business.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has only gone from strength to strength since.
Image: Supplied
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
After opening two stores last year and three stores in 2024, Lisa Angel’s founder and Creative Director, Lisa, said: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Managing Director James Moody explained the significance to the business of opening a new store in a city as influential as Leeds: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
We'll keep you up to date when we know an opening date, but for now you can check out what to expect here.
Yorkshire residents are being invited to name two new bin lorries
Clementine Hall
Well...this is a new one.
Ever fancied naming a bin lorry? Well today is your lucky day, because now you can.
Yorkshire-based waste management experts Divert are celebrating the arrival of two swanky new tbin rucks by inviting the local community to help name them.
The iconic purple bins, vans and trucks can be seen across the Yorkshire area helping to clean up waste from Bradford to Harrogate.
Two new lorries are set to be joining the fleet in April and May, and of course they need a name.
And who better to ask than the general public? The winning names will be added to the cabs of each of the trucks for all to see, and announced via the Divert website and social media channels.
Absolutely anyone from across the UK is welcome to take part, but the company are especially keen for people from Yorkshire to enter.
You can be as creative as you like, but there are a couple of rules...
No swearing or offensive names. Aside from that, you can let your freak flag fly.
The Divert team are keen to hear the 'best celebrity puns, local namesakes, and downright silly names' the public have to offer.
John Verity, Managing Director of Divert, comments: “Naming our bin trucks is a great way to bring some joy to the local community. We hope to bring a smile to the faces of passing drivers and pedestrians as our fleet passes by.
“Not only that, naming our lorries can help our drivers to take pride and ownership in the vehicles they drive and be a key reminder of our engagement within the community. We’re always keen to employ any initiatives that help the public to engage with us and ensure we’re seen as a friendly face in the area.”
Winners will be voted for by the team internally, and the competition closes at 5 pm on 31 March 2026.
Declan Kelly -
18th September 2025 
