Goodnight Mister Tom

Goodnight Mister Tom

Perhaps best known as an ITV Drama starring John Thaw, Goodnight Mister Tom is currently touring the UK after a successful run in London’s West End.

Adapted for the stage by David Wood, Michelle Magorian’s novel initially comes across as a charming story of London evacuees displaced to Dorset during WWII. By the second half we are made brutally aware of the darkness that fills the London life of young Will.

David Troughton perfectly leads as the grumpy recluse Tom Oakley, slowly peeling off the emotional layers as he opens himself to those around him. The young main actors – Alex Taylor-McDowall (William) and Oliver Loades (Zach) – both demonstrate strong stage skills as they take us on this emotional journey. And special mention must go to the lovable and loyal Sammy perfectly puppeteered by Elisa De Grey.

Whilst hitting us hard with its portrayal of abuse and cruelty, this is ultimately a story of love conquering the nightmare – a heart-warming tale of the young and old making key life adjustments as they challenge and grow their relationship.

Rating 4/5

Opera House: February 23rd - 27th 2016 Book now.

By Garr Thomas-Lowde for Canal St Online

Published: 25-Feb-2016 (3587)