Goodnight Mr Tom

With a play like Mr Tom, which needs atmosphere, the settings are important and this design was clever and not obtrusive, highly suitable for both the piece and for venue (the Foxes), and the changes managed with speed and precision by the tin-hatted wardens. Lighting, Sarah Krill, added to the feel of the play, as did that quite haunting and melodic background music which just added the ‘heart-feel’ so necessary and evocative and creating a magic to the piece.

Sharon Fox assembled a big cast for this play with so many cameo characters in the roles (some doubled) and all contributed greatly to the many scenes. As Londoners and Villagers and Neighbours to set the sequences and action during the play, all were important and characterised appropriately, some more important than others to the story: Billeting Officer, Teachers, Vicar, Doctor, and Mr Miller all played their parts to high standard. And the ‘dog puppet’ worked with great skill and understanding of dog and plot and feelings by Conor Blake (hardly noticed that he was there to support Sammy).

And the children, presumably mostly from Young Players, all joined in the games and repartee in good fashion and with energy especially George (Dominic Ashby) as part of the ‘trio’, and Carrie and Ginnie (Kiera Clarke and Poppy Guyatt) in their games. Young Zach (Finlay Minns) was a joy of mischief and energy and showing off with his song and dance, but giving true friendship to William. As the evacuee with major problems in fitting in at beginning and huge trauma and a complete lack of love at home, James McLeish as William portrayed his moods and fears very well and overcame all with the benefit of shown love, a very nice portrayal.

            The two main adult roles: Jo Sherry as Mrs Beech showed her bullying and lack of any tolerance and cruelty with a harshness that was frightening and maintained this complete lack of any empathy to the end. And in the title role of Mr Tom, John West melted with a rough compassion for the boy as he helped him to come to life, and this changed his attitude to humanity, a very sympathetic approach in his feeling about fellow travellers through life, and what an excellent relationship built between Mr Tom and William to give the loving conclusion, very atmospheric for feelings.

Must comment on the programme and the period and atmospheric photographs and the whole content within.

 Thank you for a most enjoyable production.

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