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:

16 February 2011

Michelle Magorian's novel, Goodnight Mister Tom is a favourite on the school curriculum due to it's deft depiction of the 1939 evacuation programme – a time which must seem like ancient history to most children today. Thankfully, The Children's Touring Partnership's stage version currently running at the Lowry Theatre is here to bring the story to life once more.

The play begins with William arriving at Mister Tom's house in the country, having being evacuated from his London home. As Tom provides the care that William has been missing from his own abusive mother, the two learn to trust each other and find their lives, though certainly not free from adversity, transformed as a result.

All of the performances are worth commenting on but three are particularly noteworthy: Toby Prynne's 'William' blossoms from a timid, silent boy into a loving and vivacious son in a surprisingly mature portrayal from this young actor; ev...

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Latest User Review

Michael Gray - 13 March 2011:

a wonderful production of an important story, with a brilliant stage design...

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