Goodnight Mister Tom

It was great to visit Oldbury Rep and see their performance of Goodnight Mister Tom in this their 85th year. We were fortunate to watch on their celebration evening, many thanks.

This is a well-known play set at the beginning of the Second World War in 1939 and was under the able direction of Melanie Brown ably assisted by Matthew Jeffrey and Producer Andy Brown. This showed in the actors chosen for the parts.

Keith Thompson in his role as Mr Tom gave an excellent performance and you could imagine yourself arriving at his home and being given such a warm welcome even though he was unsure at the start. Twelve year old Charlie McRobert also was excellent in his role as William Beech and as a 12 year old his characterisation in some scenes was superb, especially when in hospital, with his mother and in the nightmare scene well done! Also, Eddie Broad who played Zach. Interesting to see their roles develop. Credit should also go to all the other children for outstanding performances.

However, a special mention should be given to Emily Jeffrey in her role of puppeteer with Sammy the dog. This could not have been an easy role and required someone who could move quickly and easily. Little things that were noticed like wagging the dogs tail and making him appear to lie down and stand himself. All the supporting cast fulfilled their roles and characters and were a pleasure to watch and listen.

All the characters dressed appropriately for the year.

The scenery was managed very well with scene changes not using a backcloth but using projections onto the back of the stage, this was really effective and credit to the Director for making the most of this in a very effective manner these were changed as and when required very smoothly by the lighting design and operation. I did like the London scene it was well done it created a panic situation and believable. Backstage crew were barely noticeable as they changed props etc.

This was a production up to Oldbury’s high standard, well done

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