Goodnight Mister Tom

Using an historic Tithe Barn on a lovely summer’s evening gave a real sense of nostalgia to this very enjoyable performance. Directed by Cally Smart, this is both a tragic story and an uplifting one, dealing with the challenges faced by families in the Second World War.

It was quite a feat to construct a full stage, tiered seating and a lighting rig in this beautiful Tithe barn in Bradford on Avon, so congratulations to the set construction team.  Setting the stage in the centre allowed the cast to use the large barn door as their entrance, with another at the back of the stage.  However it did also leave a huge area behind the stage unutilised, which seemed a shame. Given the setting of the piece and the lovely unspoilt nature of the Tithe barn, one wonders whether there was a wasted opportunity to make more of this glorious setting, perhaps performing it in the round. 

There was a strong start to the play, with a long line of delightful children paraded in and offered up by the Billeting Officer.  You really got a sense of what it must have been like for the evacuees and there was good attention to detail in their outfits and props.

The whole cast, both children and adults, contributed greatly to the play and suited their various roles well. Mister Tom Oakley, William Beech, Zach and Mrs Beech were played with sensitivity and confidence by a very fine group of actors.

The costumes and make up were excellent. The ladies looked particularly convincing in their wartime outfits and their hair had been beautifully styled, so well done to the wardrobe team.

The play finished with a very appropriate singalong to lift the spirits after quite an emotional couple of hours.  Unfortunately, without the house light, we struggled to read the words supplied in the programme, but the cast deserved the enthusiastic round of applause they received from this packed house.  

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