Goodnight Mr Tom

Goodnight Mister Tom is a play adapted by David Wood, for the Chichester Festival Theatre, directed by Angus Jackson and it is based on the wonderfully uplifting 1981 children's novel of the same name by Michelle Magorian, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment In 2013.
 
Set during the build up to the Second World War in 1939, the story follows young William Beech, who is evacuated to the Dorset countryside where he is billeted with reclusive widower Tom Oakley who has shut himself away from love and friendship living a quiet solitary life for 40 years since his wife and infant son died. William is illiterate and has been starved and abused by his so-called fire and brimstone Christian mother. Tom is shocked when he finds that Williams mother has packed not only a Bible for Will but a large belt for chastising him and sees that William is covered in bruises and has sores on his back where the belt has been used, but gradually William begins to thrive, he makes friends, learns to read, goes to school and a heart-warming friendship develops between William and Tom. But suddenly William is summoned by his mother back to Deptford London during the Blitz. She once again abuses him and leaves him locked up with his baby sister, William tries to care for her, but things are very bad as he is not only locked up, he has no food or water. He is saved when a worried Tom comes to his aid but William sufferers an emotional breakdown and is admitted to hospital. Tom is not happy with William’s treatment so takes him home and gradually William begins to heal and finally after some persuading the authorities allow Tom to adopt him.

This excellent thought provoking production from Wigan Little Theatre directed by Martin Green got right to the heart of the story and had real emotional depth. The part of Tom Oakley was beautifully played by Peter Hall, who reminded me in looks very much of John Thaw who played the role in the television version of this story, however, Peter was in no way a copy, as he produced his own version of the character, showing how Tom’s suppressed feelings were reawakened after long years of protectiveness with no affection by the arrival of William, played strongly and very affectingly by Lewis Faulkner, who portrayed very well William’s journey from the introverted timid evacuee who arrived at Tom’s cottage to a blossoming happy confident child. James Kellett excelled as Williams new stage-struck Jewish friend Zach, also an evacuee, whose parents were actors, Zach also wants to be an actor and is always performing, James was very proficient at quoting the bard with clarity and enthusiasm. Tom’s old sheepdog Sammy was expertly manipulated on sticks by puppeteer Carl Hughes and was very life-like he was a delightful presence throughout the play adding an extra comforting understanding dimension to the production. There was quite a large hard-working supporting cast who all worked together very well with no weak links, each one playing many different roles, producing some very interesting characters and supporting the principle cast brilliantly. Diction and clarity of words was very good meaning the story could be followed easily and the pace of the production was also spot on.

The stage was divided into two static sets and scenes were changed by using many appropriate props which was very effective. The cast along with the stage crew helped bring these props on and off stage enabling very smooth transition between scenes, which kept the pace of the performance just right. There was also some good technical input which included, very good lighting sound, music, sound effects and excerpts from famous speeches made during this time in history. Costumes were all spots on, it was obvious that a great deal of thought had gone into getting them just right and along with applicable hair and makeup added to the feel and the success of the production.

This play includes, bullying, abuse and death in its storyline which is heart-wrenching and shocking, but it is also full of delightful humour, love and poignant touches especially when William calls Tom dad at the end of the play. These touches were moving and very uplifting, offering hope for Tom and William in the future.

Congratulations to Director Martin Green, all the set builders, backstage crew and everyone involved in this heartwarming excellent production, thank you very much for inviting us we had a lovely evening.

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