An acclaimed book, first published in 1981, Mr Tom has since been adapted as a musical, a film and a play. That only happens to exceptional stories.
Set in WW11 it’s a tale of two damaged people; William, an abused boy evacuated to the country where he’s placed with Mr Tom, a curmudgeonly recluse whose wife died 40 years ago, “She was so sunny she lit up my life. When she died the light went out.”
Dave Dunn plays Mr Tom as if the story was written for him, and George Boutin copes well with the difficult part of William. As the the school friend who draws William out, Hugo Worral cavorts to perfection, but the real scene stealer is Sammy the dog….well done Lily Stiles.
With a nostalgic soundtrack plus excellent lighting and costumes, most of the cast take several parts and perhaps it’s somewhat sentimental, but that’s part of the charm.
A packed house enjoyed the first night and so will you. It’s a treat to see so many young actors bringing the stage to life.
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Reviewer: Philip Horton
Goodnight Mr Tom is a Next Stage production at The Mission Theatre, directed by Ann Ellison.
24th – 28th October 2017, at 7.30pm.