Goodnight Mister Tom

Synopsis

Sad and troubled, young William Beech is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside as Britain stands on the brink of World War II and is billeted with the curmudgeonly recluse Tom Oakley. Tom and Will build a remarkable and moving friendship, an unlikely bond which transforms them both, only to have their newfound happiness shattered when Will is summoned back to London by his mother. Heart-warming and inspiring, this story of two broken souls at opposite ends of the age scale celebrates the value of love and proves that friendship knows no barriers.

Our Review:

29 January 2013

If you know any kids who dislike panto then take them to see Goodnight Mister Tom, David Wood’s stage adaptation of Michelle Magorian’s modern classic.

It’s a charming wartime tale, made famous by the TV version 15 years ago. William Beech, is a young boy who escapes temporarily from his abusing, bible-thumping mum in Deptford when he is evacuated to leafy Dorset. He is billeted with Tom, an elderly widower bringing with him a bible and a belt to be used in the case of misdemeanours.  

Tom realises after spotting the boy’s bruises that the belt has been used before.  He is also malnourished and illiterate. The old man lost his baby son forty years before when his wife died giving birth and William brings out his fatherly instinct, enabling him to give him the love and interest he’s never known.

Oliver Ford-Davies brings Tom to life as he, too, benefits from the relationship. No facet of his gentle, caring natur...

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Latest User Review

lady kate - 31 January 2013:

a fantastic production very close to the film, only thing mot in keeping with the times was a screw top baby bottle we didnt have them in that era, but i dont think many people would have noticed that but all in all fannnnnnnntassssssticccccccccc...

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