The first live play since the ending of the lockdown is set to open at the Gaiety theatre next week.

Local theatre company Parker and Snell will bring their version of the classic novel ’To Kill A Mockingbird’ to the Gaiety from Thursday, May 17 to Saturday, May 29, from 7.30pm, with a matinee on Saturday from 2.30pm.

Written by the Pulitzer prize-winning novelist Harper Lee and based on genuine events, the book is a famous illumination of ingrained racist attitudes, prevalent in southern America.

Narrated by Jean Finch, played by Kathryn Ellen Cawte, the play is told through the eyes of her younger self, known as Scout, played by Alice Smith.

Her father, lawyer Atticus Finch, goes against the opinion of the majority of the population of Maycomb, Alabama and defends a black man accused of a terrible crime.

The trial opens up the deeply-held prejudices and racist attitudes of the seemingly peaceful and decent population.

Carl Parker, who plays Atticus Finch, believes that, even though the story takes place almost 100 years ago, recent social events, such as the Black Lives Matter protests, mean that it is still highly relevant today.

’Even thought the play was set in 1930s’ Alabama, the themes of racism and social justice are just as pressing today as they were when they were written,’ said Carl.

’The ideological perspectives are just the same and it is hard to believe that people, now and then, can still hold that mentality.

’But having said that, it is not all heavy.

’There are some light moments in the play and there are some wonderful moments of the relationships between the characters for the audience to get into.

’And much of the play is viewed through the eyes of a little girl trying to understand what is going on.’

The play features a 22-strong cast, including Tony Eccles, who plays Jem, Samuel Turk who plays Dill and Priyadashini Maganathan who plays Calpurnia.

David Castro plays the role of Tom Robinson, who stands accused and Daniel Carroll-Crawley and Matthew McKee play the roles of Nathan and Boo Radley.

Thankfully, this play has managed to avoid the postponements and delays that have bedevilled much of the island’s shows over the past 18 months.

’We were fortunate that we were already booked in for rehearsals towards the end of April and that coincided with the end of the last lockdown.

’So, in many respects, we haven’t lost any time with this play.

’The main issue we have had is that our director, Colin Snell, has had to direct the play over Zoom. He lives in Preston and was unable to come over to put the play together.

’However, with all that went on, we have put together a great play and I am certain we will do justice to such a well-known story.’

Tickets cost from £16.50, available from the Welcome Centre and the Villa Gaiety box office, on 60055, and online at villagaiety.com