Rhys Ifans to play Atticus Finch in West End To Kill a Mockingbird

Rhys Ifans is set to star as Atticus Finch in the upcoming West End production of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Ifans, who is currently starring in On Bear Ridge at the Royal Court, will play the central character in Aaron Sorkin's adaptation of Harper Lee's best-selling novel which centres on a small-town lawyer defending a local black man on trial for rape.

The Welsh actor's previous West End credits also include Exit the King at the National Theatre, Scrooge in the Old Vic's A Christmas Carol, and the Fool alongside Glenda Jackson's King Lear at the same theatre.

Bartlett Sher directs the play. His previous productions to be staged in London include The King and I at the London Palladium, and Oslo at the National Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre.

This production of Mockingbird premiered in the US at the Shubert Theatre last year starring Jeff Daniels. Reviewing for New York Theatre Guide, Mark Shenton hailed the production a 'scorching courtroom drama, folding it seamlessly with scenes from Finch's home life as his two worlds collide'.

Opening for previews at the Gielgud Theatre on 19^th May 2020, as previously announced, ticketing details are yet to be announced for the West End transfer.

Produced by Scott Rudin and Sonia Friedman, the play features set design by Miriam Buether, costumes by Ann Roth, sound design by Scott Lehrer, lighting by Jennifer Tipton, and an original score by Adam Guettel.

To Kill a Mockingbird is at the Gielgud Theatre from 19^th May.

To Kill a Mockingbird tickets are now on sale.

^{Photo credit: Rae Hanson (flickr)}