‘Goodnight Mister Tom’ is a 2011 play by David Wood, based on the 1981 children's novel of the same name by Michelle Magorian. It premiered in 2011 at the Chichester Festival Theatre, before moving to London in 2013 at the West End Phoenix Theatre. The play earned the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment at the 2013 Laurence Olivier Awards. Many will recognise the story from the 1998 film adaptation, starring John Thaw as Tom Oakley and now Henfield Theatre Company are honoured to be able to perform this stunning play for you from 17 to 19 October 2024.
Set at the beginning of World War II, William Beech (played by Finn Donegan) is sent to Tom Oakley (played by Ian Henham) in rural Dorset as a child refugee from London. Tom, a reclusive widower, has been a solitary resident for 40 years; William is illiterate, bruised, and starving. Despite initial difficulties, Tom nourishes William physically and emotionally until William has to return to London.
In the second act, William is back in London as the Blitz continues around him. Tom, hearing nothing from him, has an instinct that William is in danger and travels to London to find him. They go through some terrifying events until things are ultimately resolved for both Tom and William.
Without doubt this play will tug at the heart strings. Faithful to the original book, the play shows a remarkable depiction of the darkness of death, mental illness, and abuse. It is suitable for all ages, but it has some alarming scenes.
Performances are at the Henfield Hall, on 17th and 18th October at 7.45pm, and 19th October at 1.30pm and 5.30pm. Tickets, priced at £13 for floor seating and £15 for raised seating per person, are on sale via www.henfieldtheatrecompany.com and at Stevens Estate Agents in Henfield High Street. This production is kindly sponsored by Coles Automotive.
Mandy Ainsworth
