Goodnight Mr Tom

Michelle Magorian’s award winning children’s novel, adapted for the stage by David Wood, is set in the early days of WW2.  It tells the story of William Beech an evacuee sent to live with an elderly widower by the name of Tom Oakley.  The boy has been abused by his mother who chastises him and his cruelly neglected baby sister for her own sins.  Tom has lived as a recluse with only his dog Sammy for company since his wife and son died.  He reluctantly agrees to take the child in, which he sees as doing his bit for the war effort. Gradually the two form a bond with Tom fighting the authorities to give the boy a permanent home.

The society had staged the show partially in the round, freeing up the stage for indoor scenes.  This worked well as far as the action was concerned, however it did result in some of the audience, myself included, having a rather restricted view of the stage.  

The role of William Beech requires an acting age of about 10 years. I was therefore surprised that the society had cast an older child (who I initially thought was of adult years) in the role.  Lewis Bridgeman is of course a talented actor and although his performance here is to be commended, for me it lacked the natural innocence and naivety that only a child of the appropriate age can bring to the role.

Kaveen Dias Dahanayake exuded confidence as Zach, the stage struck son of actors who becomes William’s best friend. This young man is a natural performer and definitely one to watch. Very well done.

Well done to Molly Hanover and Lottie Bwalya as Carrie and Mollie and to Liam Twigg as George.  A rather over excitable performance at times but one that really captured the enthusiasm of a child.

A superb performance by Colin Smith as recluse Tom Oakley.  His posture, the West Country dialect and the measured delivery of his dialogue, initially made me think the actor must be near in age to the character. That is until I saw his picture in the programme!  Tom’s dog Sammy was well handled by Dave Corder.

Andrea Dalton gave a good performance as the God fearing Mrs Beech, uptight and showing not an ounce of emotion. This was a small but very significant role, very well played.

The show has a large cast with some characters only making fleeting appearances, therefore doubling up is often the way to go.  Well done to all the cast who played these multiple supporting roles.

Intermittent music was well chosen and the radio announcements and excellent sound effects added to the authenticity.  This was a very slick, well costumed production.

Thank you to the society for inviting me and to the Director for making us feel so welcome.

 

 

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