Goodnight Mister Tom (27/11/2012)

Goodnight Mister Tom is, was and always will be an emotionally traumatic, beautiful and heartwarming story, no matter what medium it's told in. Stories of young children being evacuated during the second world war are plentiful and touching, and seeing a story I had grown up with transferred to stage, was nothing short of lovely.


Oliver Ford Davies plays the troubled old recluse, incredibly rough from the opening, but easily opening up to Ewan Harris' young William Beech, comfortable in his role as evacuee. This sweet young boy looks after the old man just as much as Tom does the child, ably assisted by the War Horse-esque puppet of Sammy the Collie, controlled by Elisa De Grey. It's honestly endearing to see the three on stage together, and it is clear that they have spent a long while together in rehearsal.

The set is as wonderful as the puppetry and cast, switching between London and Dorset with ease. Watching a stage filled with wartime propaganda, it is easy to stay immersed in the era, no matter how often a mobile phone rings around you.

As a trip down memory lane - or even as a fresh experience, Goodnight Mister Tom is nothing short of wonderful! It's lovely, sweet and entertaining, and more than enough to make me cry!

Goodnight Mister Tom @ The Phoenix Theatre

Runs through 26th January 2013

We'll meet again... Or for the first time, up to you.