Actor Matt Lapinskas Announces 2026 London Marathon Run in Support of Acting for Others and Theatre Chaplaincy UK

Actor Matt Lapinskas, best known for his role as Anthony Moon in EastEnders and as the runner-up on ITV’s Dancing on Ice (2013), announces that he will run the 2026 London Marathon to raise funds for two organisations supporting the UK’s performing arts community: Acting for Others and Theatre Chaplaincy UK.

Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to theatre workers in times of need, delivered through a network of 14 member charities, while Theatre Chaplaincy UK (TCUK) serves the UK’s performing arts community through compassionate, inclusive wellbeing support.

Matt Lapinskas today said: “The performing arts world has shaped my entire life – it’s where I grew up, learned who I was, and found my people. Running the marathon is my way of giving back to the community that has always held me up. Both Acting for Others and Theatre Chaplaincy UK provide essential support to the people who make theatre happen, often quietly and behind the scenes. I’m proud to run for them.”

Lapinskas, who trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, has worked across television, film, and theatre. His credits include EastEnders, Hollyoaks, and feature films such as Red Devil (2019) and A Tale to Tell (2020).

About Acting for Others

The organisation traces its roots to the 1960s, when Laurence Olivier, Noël Coward, and Richard Attenborough spearheaded a unified appeal for theatrical charities. Today, it remains a vital safety net for performers, backstage staff, front-of-house teams, and creatives facing hardship.

Joel Marvin, Director of Fundraising at Acting for Others, added:

“We’re thrilled that Matt has chosen to run for Acting for Others. Every year, thousands of theatre workers face financial hardship, and our network of charities is there to ensure no one in our industry is left behind. Matt’s dedication helps us continue that mission, and we’re proud to have him championing our cause on the marathon route.”

About Theatre Chaplaincy UK

Theatre Chaplaincy UK (TCUK) serves the UK’s performing arts community through compassionate, inclusive wellbeing support. The charity exists to help everyone in the performing arts, offering emotional support and pastoral care to individuals, partnering with theatre companies, producers and venues to support their staff and freelancers, and training and appointing chaplains who serve the diverse, vibrant community that makes up the UK’s performing arts sector. Founded in 1899 as the Actors’ Church Union, TCUK continues its long tradition of walking alongside people both on and off stage, providing confidential support to those of all faiths and none. The charity is based at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden — widely known as the “Actors’ Church.” TCUK is one of Acting for Others’ Member Charities; the marathon place was granted to TCUK in the charity ballot and TCUK invited Matt to fundraise for TCUK and Acting for Others jointly.

Holly McBride, CEO of Theatre Chaplaincy UK, further said:

“Matt’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of the theatre community means a great deal to us. The performing arts can be a beautiful but demanding world, and our chaplains walk alongside people through the highs and lows of that journey. His marathon run shines a light on the importance of pastoral care in our industry, and we are deeply grateful for his support.”

A Run for Community, Care, and the Future of the Arts

Both charities have seen increased demand in recent years as the performing arts sector continues to navigate financial instability, mental health pressures, and the long-tail effects of industry disruption.

Lapinskas hopes his marathon effort will raise both funds and awareness.

“Theatre is built on community. If my run helps even one person feel supported when life gets tough, it will have been worth every mile,” he said.

How to Support the Campaign

To support Matt in his fundraising for TCUK and Acting for Others, donations can be made via https://www.justgiving.com/page/lapinskas

Updates on Matt Lapinskas’ training journey will be shared via his socials:

• @mattlapinskas on Instagram
• @mattylapinskas on Tiktok

Further information can be found at:

• Acting for Others — actingforothers.co.uk
• Theatre Chaplaincy UK — theatrechaplaincy.org.uk

Royal & Derngate Theatre – Northampton – until 18th April 2026

Review by Amanda Allen

5*****

This dazzling musical comedy / drama takes us on a spectacularly glitzy, big, bold beautiful journey from Huddersfield to Mumbai exploring the dark side of the Bollywood film culture. Following the story of Frankie, a young British Asian woman, with little interest in fame, who finds herself becoming a star in the complicated, corrupt, male dominated world of film making in India. We first meet Frankie (young Frankie is played by Elinor Hallett) as a child, telling her mother of her dreams of being a Bollywood Hero. Frankie quickly grows up (grown up Frankie is played by Sarah Pearson), and we learn she has lost her much loved Mum and is now serving popcorn with her cousin at the cinema in Huddersfield. It is now the cousins Goldy, played by Katie Stasi, who dream of being in the movies, but fate intervenes and Frankie is the one who gets the opportunity to go to Bollywood and become a movie star. But will Frankie find her dream and remain true to herself, will she be the Warrior she always thought she was or will she get chewed up by the relentless pressure that is the production of movies in Bollywood.

I have never been to a show with so much sparkle, glitz and glamour! The costumes were pure Bollywood, more sequins, meters of fabric and colours than you could imagine, both male and female characters shone and dazzled across the stage in a constant succession of fantastic outfits. Costume designer Andy Kumar did an amazing job of transporting us to the heat, drama and chaos of an Indian film set. I was also impressed by the speed of the numerous costume changes for all the characters, especially Frankie. One little disappointed was at the start when the sound quality of the first songs was not particularly good, but it quickly became apparent that some of the songs were mimed to demonstrate the “Bollywood” nature of them.

Throughout the show the dancing was simply mesmerising, such energy, constant motion and real Indian style dancing created a very authentic atmosphere and experience. Choreographers Nicola Mac and Anna Maria Barber managed to put so much movement into the production at times if felt as if it would burst out of the confines of the stage. One of my favourite numbers was a deceptively simple depiction of the aircraft cabin staff and pilots dancing across from England to India as Frankie is transported to Bollywood at the start of her adventure, the costumes were simple but so effective and the dancing set the scene for the changes about to happen in her life as she moved to the other side of the world.

The outstanding performance for me was Luke Suri as Shona. He was so flamboyant, so camp, so perfect in the role he carried you along with him through the highs and lows, through the emotional upheaval that was played out as Frankie’s star rose and then fell when she did not play the game in quite the way they expected her to. He also had some of the best costumes, the men’s outfits were as amazing as the women’s. There was much comedy around Raju King, the aging Bollywood star played brilliantly by Ankur Sabharwal. The fact that he was the shampoo king, earning much of his money by advertising and promoting hair products and pretending to be in his 20’s when he was much older and was unmasked as a bald man wearing a wig and needing to run to his mummy all the time was a very hilarious!

In the classic way of Bollywood, the hero or in this case the heroine wins in the end, and we all went home incredibly happy. It’s a long time since I have been to a show that went by so quickly and left me feeling so joyous and pleased that it all ended as it should have. If you get chance go and see it while you can!

TOWER THEATRE – UNTIL 25th APRIL 2026

REVIEWED BY JACKIE THORNTON

4****

A five-piece band carries us back to 1940s wartime England and the quaint station cafe that is the setting for Noel Coward’s iconic Brief Encounter. In Emma Rice’s stage version the classic melodrama is given an injection of music and dance that also artfully captures the spirit of its cinematic origin.

Victoria Flint and Dom Ward’s performances as the forbidden lovers Laura and Alec, whose meet-cute at the station one ordinary Thursday afternoon spurns a yearning and passion that neither have felt before, share a convincing chemistry and feel like they could have stepped off the set of David Lean’s film. This is a story of longing and restraint made even more poignant by its subtle wartime backdrop.

The supporting cast of paired lovers, cafe owner Myrtle (Deborah Ley is wonderfully domineering and chirpy) and station manager Albert (Matthew Vickers) add comic relief as they steal away for secret trysts, and waitress Beryl (Imogen Front’s stunning vocals are a delight) and her beau Stanley (Tom Lafferty’s cheeky presence and winning tenor really helps shape the whole play) pile on yet more energy as a young courting couple. James Taverner and Fiyin Ifebogun take on a raft of colourful characters with humour and style.

Noel Coward’s unmistakable language and wit is brilliantly capitalised upon by a talented cast guided by Rob Ellis’s precise direction. He squeezes every last drop of tension from the tragic love story; transitions are slick and brief musical interludes create a natural rhythm to the narrative. Ivy Thorne’s costume design feels authentically 1940s and does not distract while the relatively small stage is used efficiently in David Taylor’s set design, which transports us from the station to Laura’s suburban home and even a visit to a lake. Much thought and care has gone into this production and the quality of musicianship, led by Jonathan Norris, is impressive overall.

Slick staging, canny performances and wonderful music, building on the legacy of the film.

TWO-TIME TONY AWARD^® WINNER                 ACADEMY AWARD^® NOMINEE

CHRISTINE BARANSKI                   RICHARD E. GRANT

TO STAR IN

NOËL COWARD’S

A COMEDY OF BAD MANNERS

DIRECTED BY
EMILY BURNS
AT

WYNDHAM’S THEATRE
FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON FROM
22 SEPTEMBER TO 12 DECEMBER 2026

PRODUCTION TO MARK CHRISTINE BARANSKI’S WEST END DEBUT

AND

RICHARD E. GRANT’S RETURN TO THE WEST END STAGE AFTER

20 YEARS

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY 17 APRIL AT 2.00PM

Wessex Grove and Gavin Kalin Productions are delighted to announce that two-time Tony Award^® winner Christine Baranski will star as Judith Bliss and Academy Award nominee Richard E. Grant will star as David Bliss ina stinging new production of Noël Coward’s irresistible comedy Hay Fever. Directed by Emily Burns, Hay Fever will play at Wyndham’s Theatre, a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre, for a strictly limited season from 22 September to 12 December 2026 with a press night on 1 October 2026. Tickets go on sale Friday 17 April at 2.00pm. hayfeverplay.com

HAY FEVER marks Christine Baranski’s West End debut and Richard E. Grant’s return to the West End stage after 20 years. Further casting and creative team to be announced soon.

Christine Baranski said today “I attended my first West End play as a student at Juilliard in 1971, so it’s rather a dream come true to perform at Wyndham’s Theatre in a Noël Coward play in the West End. I look forward to a life in London, a city I absolutely adore.  I last performed on stage 20 years ago, and coincidentally, Richard E. Grant last performed in the West End 20 years ago! Richard is so gifted, whip smart, and wickedly funny. I look forward to “tearing a passion to tatters” with him alongside our brilliant director, Emily Burns. Hay Fever is a 101-year-old comedy of appalling manners. It requires quicksilver delivery and suave flamboyance. I hope it will be a delicious treat for audiences to spend time with this Blissful Bohemian family!”

Richard E. Grant said today “25 years ago, I guest starred for a night in ‘The Play What I Wrote’ at the beautiful Wyndham’s Theatre. I am delighted to return to the Wyndham’s stage (and maybe to a bigger dressing room) alongside the sensational Christine Baranski in Noël Coward’s delicious comedy, Hay Fever, which premiered in the West End 101 years ago (but who’s counting?). I love the theatre and am thrilled to return to it, and to be directed by the illustrious Emily Burns.”

It’s LOATHESOME being looked after. Last year, Judith retired from her life-on-stage. Already, she misses the applause. Idling away at their country home, the rest of the family – reclusive novelist husband David and failure-to-launch children Sorrel and Simon – are too self-involved to be a good audience. So, Judith invites a young fan as her guest for the weekend.  But unbeknownst to her, each of the Blisses have a guest of their own arriving at the very same time. Completely unsuited to hosting and allergic to compromise, the house quickly erupts into a chaos of parlour games, put-downs and unrequested encores.

Christine Baranski is one of the entertainment industry’s most honoured actresses, Christine Baranski is an Emmy, two-time Tony, Screen Actors Guild, Drama Desk, and American Comedy Award winner. Baranski can be seen starring as Agnes Van Rhijn in the acclaimed HBO series The Gilded Age, from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes. Baranski received a 2024 Emmy Award nomination for her performance in the series, which is currently in production on its fourth season. For her performance as Diane Lockhart on the CBS series, The Good Wife, Baranski received six Emmy Award nominations and two Critics’ Choice Television Award nominations. She then starred as the beloved character in the critically acclaimed spinoff, The Good Fight, which earned her four Critics’ Choice Television Award nominations, a Golden Globe nomination, and TCA Award nomination. Last May, Baranski co-starred opposite Nicole Kidman in the second season of Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers. Other memorable roles on screen include Mamma Mia!, Cybill, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Big Bang Theory, Frasier, Bowfinger, Cruel Intentions, The Birdcage, Into the Woods, Chicago and many more. Baranski’s illustrious on-stage career includes performances in The Real Thing, Rumors, Hurlyburly, Boeing-Boeing, and The House of Blue Leaves, to name a few. Baranski received an Honorary Doctorate from Juilliard, and in 2018, was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame. 

Richard E. Grant is an award-winning actor whose body of work spans from stage to screen.

Films include Savage House, Ladies First, Nuremberg, Thursday Murder Club, Death of a Unicorn, The Lesson, Saltburn, Star Wars – Rise of Skywalker, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Logan, The Iron Lady, Gosford Park, Portrait of a Lady, Jack & Sarah, Dracula, The Age of Innocence, The Player, Pret a Porter, LA Story, Henry & June, How to Get Ahead in Advertising and Withnail & I. He received Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA & Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor in Can You Ever Forgive Me?. Richard also wrote and directed Wah-Wah based on his childhood in Swaziland. His TV credits include The Other Bennet Sister, Too Much, The Franchise, Dispatches From Elsewhere, Loki, Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, Trial & Retribution, Girls, Jekyll & Hyde and The Scarlet Pimpernel. His theatre credits include My Fair Lady for Sydney Opera/Chicago Opera), The Importance of Being Earnest at the Aldwych theatre, The Play What I Wrote at Wyndham’s Theatre, Otherwise Engaged at the Criterion, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Tramway Road at the Lyric Theatre.

Emily Burns is a director and writer, an associate of the Bridge Theatre, and previously of the National Theatre. Theatre credits as director include Measure for Measure, Love’s Labour’s Lost for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Dear Octopus and Jack Absolute Flies Again for the National Theatre, The Comeback at the Noël Coward Theatre and Reykjavík at Hampstead Theatre. As director and writer, Frankenstein for the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington DC. Film includes, as adapter, Romeo and Juliet for the National Theatre/Sky Arts.

MARIA FRIEDMAN TO STAR IN THE EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF KIMBERLY AKIMBO AT HAMPSTEAD THEATRE

Maria Friedman will star as Kimberly in the highly anticipated European premiere of David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s Tony Award-winning musical Kimberly Akimbo. It plays Hampstead Theatre from 28 August – 7 November in a new production directed by Michael Longhurst.
 

One of the most acclaimed performers in musical theatre, Maria Friedman’s numerous accolades include three Olivier Awards and eight Olivier nominations plus recognition from the WhatsOnStage, Evening Standard, Critics’ Circle Awards and many others for her work across both the West End and Broadway.

A profoundly funny and heartwarming musical and winner of five Tony Awards in 2023 including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Kimberly Akimbo tells the story of 16-year old Kimberly Levaco whose rare genetic condition causes her to age four times faster than usual. As she comes of age she searches for love and meaning while knowing time is not on her side.

Maria Friedman said:

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be bringing Kimberly Levaco to life. She’s such a beautifully complex character – full of hope, humour and this fierce determination to live every moment to the fullest, even when time isn’t on her side. It’s rare to find a role that is this funny, heartbreaking and life-affirming all at once and I feel incredibly lucky to step into her world.”

Director Michael Longhurst said:

“An eight-time Olivier Award nominee and three-time winner, Maria Friedman is unquestionably one of our greats – so I am over the moon that she is returning to the stage to lead my production of Kimberly Akimbo – a match made in heaven for Jeanine Tesori’s Tony-winning score, and David Lindsay-Abaire’s Tony-winning book. Maria’s indomitable spirit, world renown vocals and comic elan will offer an unforgettable portrayal of this beautifully unique character in this life-affirming entertainment.”

Tickets for Kimberly Akimbo are on sale now at hampsteadtheatre.com

Underbelly Boulevard Soho, London – until 26th April 2026

Reviewed by Celia AS

5*****

Kate Bush isn’t here…but we are. An Evening Without Kate Bush is a tribute to Kate Bush, the mega fans, the tribute acts, the people who have vaguely heard of her, and everyone in between. This run at the Underbelly Boulevard in Soho is the first time the extended two act version of the show has been seen on the London stage and it does not disappoint. Sarah-Louise Young and Russell Lucas have created a show that is warm and silly, never judgemental and always kind.

An Evening Without Kate Bush is comedy, cabaret, and a gig all parcelled up in a leotard and a feather headdress. It is a heartfelt tribute to Kate Bush (and the Kate Bush universe) by someone with an exceptional ability to connect with an audience of people who know every word of every song and people who vaguely know that song from the Save The Children ad in the 90s. Sarah-Louise Young performs as the singer and also as herself, a lifelong fan. Using hand held lights, a variety of wigs and costumes, and some audience participation, Young takes us through Kate Bush’s well known and lesser known songs including Babooshka (with correct pronunciation), Cloudbusting, and Rubberband Girl. The audience howls the chorus and waves along, and if you are very lucky you might get asked to join Young on stage. As Kate Bush, her voice is perfect, as a cabaret performer she is funny and makes such smart choices with her performance with a joy that radiates and keeps everyone engaged and comfortable, the normal fear of audience participation abated.

This show is a delight filled celebration of community and inclusiveness. An Evening Without Kate Bush is for everyone; the Fish People, Stranger Things fans, and people who appreciate puppetry and the best torches you’ll ever see. Sarah-Louise Young bookends the show with “Kate Bush isn’t here….but we are” and it couldn’t be a more perfect reminder to be present, to show up for each other, and to embrace the silly.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Wednesday – until Saturday 18th April 2026

Reviewed by Rachel Clark

5*****

The curtain was down, but you could see a large red circle lit up, then the curtain went up. What a dramatic start to the show, Bull stood in a vertical circle with a stunning background it is hard to explain, you must see it for yourself.

This performance is stunning the dancers – absolutely incredible and the stage dramatic. It was just wonderful, it’s a powerful story, but it made you feel calm and warm, it was beautiful.

This is the classical story of Carmen. Carmen is a free spirted woman that falls in love with a solider, Don Jose who is naïve. Carmen ends the relationship when she starts to see a bullfighter Escamillo causing Don Jose to kill her is an act of jealousy. This production has plenty of vibrancy and energy. Acosta has made this even more powerful with the ballet and Latin twist provided by the Cuban dancers.

Carlos Acosta has extended Carmen into a full length ballet version set to Radian Shcedrin’s orchestration of Bizet’s opera score with a Cuban twist. He worked with a creative team of Tim Hatley and Peter Mumford for this production and also joined by Nina Dunn. Carlos Acosta was born in Havana in 1973 and became English National Ballet’s youngest ever principal dancer at 18. Carlos retired from classical ballet in 2016 but in 2015 founded Acosta Danza – Acosta Danza is a Sadler’s Wells International Associate Company.

Acosta’s production always brings flamboyancy and elegance to the stage, and lots of energy and delightful costumes and all choregraphed by himself. Carmen was performed by Amisaday Naara, Don Jose – Alejandro Silva and Escamillo – Paul Brando and not forgetting Bull – Aniet Pazos. Their dancing was incredible I could not take my eyes of them. Amisaday Naara was truly talented, as they all were, the ballet was top class to say the least- I was in awe.

I have only ever seen Carmen as an opera and to me this was far superior than any other performances of Carmen I have seen, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I felt lifted from when I had walked into the theatre to when I left and had a buzz driving home from a wonderful evening.

The dancers got a standing ovation and well deserved to all that performed, the Corps de Ballet and Alexander Arias who performed Zuniga. The Production team did amazing and I honestly would love to see it again whilst it is in Aylesbury this week. A world class performance literally on my doorstep.

Curve Theatre Leicester – Until 18th April 2026

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

3***

Adapting Midsomer Murders for the stage is a delicate task. Its appeal lies in measured pacing, accumulating tensions and the slow revelation of tightly woven village secrets, qualities not easily condensed into a single evening of theatre. This stage version of The Killings at Badger’s Drift largely rises to the challenge, capturing the spirit of the television series even if the execution occasionally feels constrained by the form.

The story unfolds in the outwardly tranquil village of Badger’s Drift, where a suspicious death punctures the carefully preserved civility of rural life. As the investigation deepens, fractures appear among the residents, exposing long-held resentments and uncomfortable truths. The murder of Emily Simpson, an elderly spinster and moral touchstone of the community, sets events in motion. A keen observer, Emily sees too much for her own good, and her death becomes the catalyst for the drama that follows.

Inspector Tom Barnaby leads the investigation, played with calm authority by Daniel Casey. His performance provides an effective anchor for the production, allowing the more colourful figures around him to flourish without tipping into excess. Alongside him, James Bradwell’s Sergeant Gavin Troy brings warmth and humour, and the pair’s easy chemistry offers moments of levity amid the darker elements of the narrative.

Nathalie Barclay delivers a striking performance in the dual roles of Judy Lessiter, a socially awkward loner, and Katherine Lacey, a demure bride-to-be. The characters could not be more different, yet Barclay switches between them with remarkable ease and clarity. The standout performance comes from Chadrika Chevil in the dual roles of Barbara Lessiter, a glamorous and domineering socialite, and Dickie Whiteley, a blunt, working-class groundskeeper. Chevil inhabits both characters with conviction and physical precision, most memorably in a bravura moment where she effectively plays both characters simultaneously on stage, much to the audience’s delight.

Strong ensemble work underpins the production, particularly in the seamless role-doubling and swift costume changes. David Woodhead’s costume design, supported by Suzy Barrett’s wigs, hair and make-up, enables these transitions without drawing attention away from the performances. Woodhead’s sliding set is equally effective, shifting fluidly between interiors and village exteriors while evoking both the charm and constriction of rural life.

One of the production’s most inventive moments involves the use of garden gnomes as a visual storytelling device, mapping who was where, and when, during one of the murders.

This device efficiently brings the audience “up to speed” in a way that is both playful and clear. The gnomes reappear in Inspector Barnaby’s fever dream, a highly entertaining sequence that briefly departs from realism.

The first act occasionally labours under the weight of exposition and character introductions, but the second act gains momentum as the plot tightens and revelations come into sharper focus. This imbalance is perhaps inevitable when condensing a densely plotted television narrative for the stage. Nevertheless, the production remains coherent throughout and successfully holds the audience’s attention.

Ultimately, The Killings at Badger’s Drift succeeds because it understands exactly what it is. It does not attempt to reinvent the television series; instead, it finds a sweet spot. It’s affectionate without indulgent, playful without tipping into self-parody. Familiar Midsomer tropes, eccentric villagers, long-held grudges and shocking revelations are delivered with a gentle theatrical wink that respects both the source material and its audience. This production will delight fans of the series while remaining accessible to newcomers. Anchored by strong ensemble work and confident production design, it proves that Badger’s Drift still has plenty of dark secrets left to share.

Birmingham Hippodrome – until 18th April 2026

Reviewed by Emma Millward

5*****

Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird began a brief run at Birmingham Hippodrome last night. Lee’s classic 1960 novel has been adapted before, as a play and a movie, but in this version, writer Aaron Sorkin has added a fresh perspective to certain elements of the storyline, shifting the focus onto more of the characters than previous adaptations. Sorkin’s dialogue is fast, witty and extremely hard-hitting. This is a production that doesn’t shy away from the era’s racial prejudice and language.  The story takes place in 1930s Alabama, where a black disabled man, Tom Robinson (Aaron Shosanya), is falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell (Evie Hargreaves). He is defended by Atticus Finch (Patrick O’Kane), a white lawyer determined to fight social injustice.

The story is told through the eyes of Finch’s children, Scout (Anna Munden) and Jem (Gabriel Scott), and their inquisitive friend Dill (Dylan Malyn). They act as narrators who carry the story forward, with their comedic bickering adding brief moments of light in contrast to the darker themes throughout. All three often almost steal the show, especially Dylan Malyn as he veers between wide-eyed optimism and complete despair.

The storytelling adopts a non-linear structure, beginning unusually at the end of the story with Scout revealing the fate of Bob Ewell (Oscar Pearce), who is said to have ‘fallen on his knife’.. The trial of Tom Robinson and the courtroom scenes provide some of the most unflinching and shocking moments of the play. The racist outbursts of Bob and Mayella Ewell are delivered with such venom that they audibly shocked the audience. Stephen Boxer as Judge Taylor brings occasional humour to the scenes as he tries to maintain order in his courtroom. Aaron Shosanya gives a heartbreaking performance during these scenes, as Tom Robinson is determined to tell the truth while Prosecutor Horace Gilmer (Richard Dempsey) relentlessly questions him.

At nearly three hours long (including interval), this is a long play, but Bartlett Sher’s tight direction ensures every minute is used wisely. Miriam Buether’s cleverly constructed set design swiftly alternates between the Finch family’s porch, Boo Radley’s house and the Maycomb courtroom, with the cast themselves moving parts of the set. Jennifer Tipton’s atmospheric lighting and Scott Lehrer’s haunting sound combine to add varying levels of tension and calm throughout the show.

To single out one cast member would be impossible in a production with such a strong ensemble. Beyond the principal roles, my eyes were often drawn to the ensemble seated around the court room scenes. Some never spoke in the play, but their emotions were clearly etched on their faces. Harry Attwell gave a touching performance as the mostly silent Boo Radley towards the end of the play. Patrick O’Kane undeniably captures the audience’s attention as the seemingly unflappable Atticus. Andrea Davy gives an outstanding performance as maid Calpurnia. The final scenes between Atticus and Calpurnia are powerful, as she demands to know why a one-armed man was shot seventeen times. Her raw, unrestrained cry when she believed she was alone on the porch will stay with me for days to come.

To Kill A Mockingbird is undoubtedly a difficult watch, but it is also a powerful, thought-provoking, and deeply moving piece of theatre.

A WATERMILL THEATRE PRODUCTION

WATERMILL THEATRE ANNOUNCES WORLD PREMIERE OF

MURDER BEFORE EVENSONG

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY REVEREND RICHARD COLES

ADAPTED BY PAUL HART AND SHAUN MCKENNA

FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER

BOOK ONLINE AT WATERMILL.ORG.UK OR VIA THE BOX OFFICE ON 01635 46044

Joint CEOs, Artistic Director Paul Hart and Executive Director Claire Murray, and the whole team at Newbury’s award-winning Watermill Theatre are delighted to announce a brand new show for autumn 2026 with the world premiere stage adaptation of Reverend Richard Coles’ bestselling mystery novel Murder Before Evensong, playing from Friday 25 September – Saturday 14 November, with a national press night on Tuesday 29 September.

Based on the novel by Reverend Richard Coles, Murder Before Evensong has been adapted for stage by Paul Hart and Shaun McKenna – who were behind the multi-award winning 2023 production of The Lord of the Rings.

Full casting and creative team will be announced in due course.

Sometimes we must adapt or die…

In 1988, the postcard-perfect village of Champton is centred around St Mary’s Church, where traditions, rituals and long-held relationships shape everyday life. The parish is a tightly-knit community, full of familiar faces and quietly simmering rivalries.

At its heart are Canon Daniel Clement, his formidable and ever-watchful mother Audrey, and his actor brother Theo. 

When a shocking murder shatters Champton’s quiet routines, the calm surface of village life begins to crack as suspicion spreads and long-buried secrets rise to the surface.

With the police searching for answers and fear rippling through the parish, Daniel finds himself drawn into a dangerous investigation. As he begins to piece together clues, motives and hidden histories, a darker truth about the village slowly comes to light.

Set against the rhythms of church life, Murder Before Evensong is a gripping new stage adaptation of Reverend Richard Coles’ bestselling mystery. As the bodies mount and the past refuses to stay buried, Daniel must hold his fractured community together… and uncover the killer in their midst.

Don’t miss this thrilling world premiere – where every pew holds a secret, and anyone could be guilty of murder.

Paul Hart said “I’ve been a huge admirer of Richard’s Canon Clement series for a long time and the opportunity to bring this world to the stage for the first time is thrilling.  The sense of community and village life is at the centre of the book, and I think this will work so well at the Watermill. And to work with Shaun Mckenna on adapting this for the stage has been a dream – we last worked together on The Lord of the Rings so he can do anything!”

Richard Coles said “I’m delighted that the Watermill is going a-murdering before Evensong and can’t wait to see how this brilliant adaptation will look.”

AN AUDIENCE WITH RICHARD COLES

FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER 2026, 2.30PM

Richard Coles will be in conversation at the Watermill during the run of Murder Before Evensong in An Audience with Richard Coles on Friday 16 October 2026 at 2.30pm. This is an opportunity to hear about his inspiration for his bestselling novel Murder Before Evensong, how he captures the essence of quintessential English village life in his fiction, and how he leads his hero Daniel Clement to capture a killer.

There will also be a book-signing after the event with a selection of books available to buy on the day. All profits from An Audience with Richard Coles will go towards supporting the Watermill Theatre with their ongoing work, both on and off the stage.