Theatre Review: Goodnight Mister Tom - King's Theatre, Glasgow ✭✭✭✭
Adapted
by David Wood from Michelle Magorian's novel of the same name, Goodnight Mister
Tom is a beautiful, poignant piece revealing the harsh realities of loss,
injustice and cruelty experienced during the war by those who were far from the
frontline. It sensitively tackles the issue of mental health, but sadly, neglected children like
William still feature in newspapers today, usually with tragic consequences.
Under
the imminent threat of World War Two, Operation Pied Piper saw 3 million people
leave their homes to escape the war. Goodnight Mister Tom tells the story of
William Beech, a young evacuee from London sent to Little Weirwold in Dorset
where he is placed with Tom Oakley, who lives a quiet, reclusive life in the
company of his dog Sammy. Unlike the other children who are only escaping the
war, William is also escaping a
dark, miserable childhood. The only belongings accompanying him are kept in a
paper bag; a Bible and a leather belt for punishing him.
A truly bleak existence.
Oliver
Ford Davies captures the essence of the hardened Tom Oakley, unused to children
and set in his ways. He brings a delicate softness to Tom when he is around
William and the audience mirrors
his shocked reaction to
William's bruises and surprise at sleeping in a bed. It's impossible not to
feel for Tom as he stands at his wife's grave talking to her and Davies brings
such heart to the role. Tom's canine companion is wonderfully played by Elisa
de Grey who is Sammy's puppeteer. She brings life to the dog through subtle
head tilts, paw licking and delicate movements so lifelike that the audience
immediately forgets Sammy's a puppet. Non-speaking puppets can be difficult to
give personalities to but Sammy is unmistakable. A real talent.
At
the performance we saw, William and Zach were played by Ewan Harris and William
Price. At 11 and 12 years old Harris and Price punch above their weight. Harris
is captivating as poor, downtrodden William
and his transformation during his time with Tom is joyous to watch. His Act Two scenes make for difficult viewing
and Harris handles it with incredible maturity. As the effervescent Zach, Price
is scene-stealing, which makes
his fate unbearable.
The
entire cast is superb and captures the hustle and bustle of
London in contrast with the seemingly idyllic life in Little Weirwold. Robert
Innes Hopkins' magical hinged set cleverly opens up to reveal the dark
underbelly of William's life in London providing a stunning backdrop and clear
lines between life in Little Weirwold and the terrifying home in London.
Goodnight
Mister Tom is ultimately heartbreaking but the positive hope of a new life for
William is infectious and it's difficult to leave the theatre without a sense
of hope and positivity. One for grandparents, parents and children too; it's accessible to all the family
and well worth a visit this Easter break.
Goodnight Mister Tom is at the King's Theatre until 6th April.
