Goodnight Mr. Tom

Everyone knows the film with John Thaw but not the musical. When I looked at the list of 24 scenes I thought this is a challenge, but the set was brilliant two movable squares turning for each change, interiors, and exteriors, well done to the nine society members in the building team.

A great atmosphere throughout: London, Blitz, Countryside. Music not easy, a few Sondheim type themes, a little loud at times. Well lit set.

A large cast in fact everyone had a name. The main characters Mr Tom (Graham Barnes) such a lovely warm character and great feeling of joy to listen to and watch, and so well played. The two boys William (Christian Wood) & Zach (Ellis Bradley) very capable in their parts, William poignant, suffering especially with the baby, in contrast Zach, bursting with energy; both sang with confidence. All the other youngsters played their parts well.

Mrs Beech (Carly Townsend) William's mother, sang & acted with confidence in this contrasting part with the right amount of evil. One character air raid warden Charlie Ruddles (Mike Attwood) had the audience laughing, crawling around the floor with his torch looking for lights under the blackout. The solo dancer’s, lovely interpretation, very well done. Everyone else carried the plot through to the end.

A great production - the audience loved it.

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