Review - Goodnight Mister Tom - People's Theatre

Goodnight Mister Tom 

People's Theatre

1st April 2025

Adapted by David Wood

Directed by Ellie Pullen

This week's production at the People's theatre is an adaptation of Michelle Magorian's book, Goodnight Mister Tom. 

Set in World War II, it tells the story of evacuee William Beech and his host, the gruff widower Tom Oakley. The two two each have their problems, both are isolated and uncommunicative. William is a victim of abuse, while Tom has withdrawn from life after the death of his wife and son some 40 years ago. Thrown together by the war, they both must adapt to their new circumstances and gradually a relationship develops between them and they both begin to heal. 

This is a delightful story of rehabilitation and resilience. There is the natural sense of community within the country village, juxtaposed against London where the community spirit has been imposed by the war. People look out for each other in London but they don't interfere, whereas in Little Weirwold the whole village actively support each other - whether the support is welcome or not! And it is this community spirit which wins through for both Tom and William - gently forcing them to come back to life. 

There are a lot of characters and a many scene changes within the story and the cast step up well playing multiple parts, and there are some lovely performances from the supporting actors, notably for me Zac Salah as the exhuberant Zac, who befriends William instantly, and Reg White as George Fletcher, whose friendship with William is not quite so instant but becomes just as strong. The scene changes are dealt with creatively, and with minimal actual changes to the set; the addition or removal of props to transform Tom's home into Williams bleak London basement, gravestones or a shop counter to show different views of the village, plus the creative use of light and sound to create air raids, train stations, and countryside. 

There is a lot to pack in but the production team and director successfully set the scene and develop the story and characters within the confines of the time and space available, recreating the essence of the original story; heartwarming and poignant. 

*images by Paul Hood

Denise Sparrowhawk