Goodnight Mr Tom at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Goodnight Mister Tom
Milton Keynes Theatre

1-5 March 2016

www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Reviewed by Louise Platt

Last night I went to see a stage production of Goodnight Mister Tom which is an adaptation of the modern classic book for children written by Michelle Magorian.

The story is set just before the onset of World War II as Britain prepares itself for imminent war and starts the evacuation of thousands of children from London out to the countryside.

William Beech is one of those children who finds himself in the care of Mr Oakley (Mr Tom) who is renowned in the village as a grumpy old man with little time for others. We discover later that Mr Tom has a tragic story to tell himself of love and loss.

Life for William in London was not a happy one as he suffered abuse and neglect and although the early days with Mr Tom are trying for both of them William gradually overcomes his fear and confusion, learns to read and write and makes friends with the other children in the village. What is lovely to watch is the close bond that is also formed between the young boy and the old man.

While the story unfolds and we watch the relationship blossom between the vulnerable boy and the old recluse we also bear witness to the effects of the war and the death and destruction that it brings. William is called back to London midway through the play which brings more tragedy and the play does not have a very happy ending so if you are prone to tears make sure you bring some tissues!

It is poignant and quite hard to watch at times. Although the play is aimed at children there is some challenging content and references to sex and the play pulls no punches with regard to grief and loss and other issues such as bullying and abuse.

It is however very gripping and we learn about what life was like during the war and how love and compassion played a huge part during all of the tragedy and fear.

There are lots of “suddenlies” [referencing the playwrite] which involve the sounds of bombs, trains, lightening, and singing during the scene changes. This is aimed to keep the attention of the audience. The costumes are very authentic and a special mention has to go to the puppets and the puppeteers especially the dog (as a dog owner I can vouch for the incredibly authentic noises!!) – so effective that you don’t really notice the puppeteer.

I was also blown away by the performances of both the lead boys who did exceptionally well and were very convincing.

This play is powerful and raw in places and it makes you realise how fortunate we are not to have to live through a war. It is also entertaining, witty, touching and as does what theatre does best – provides an escape from real life for a couple of hours. A really great show.

The theatre at Milton Keynes is a great venue with fantastic facilities and a central location. Parking is easy and plentiful especially if you go to an evening performance as it’s free to park after 6pm in central Milton Keynes. There is a lovely Piano Bar if you have time for a drink beforehand and it’s a good idea to preorder drinks for the interval to beat the queues! A great venue for a top evening out.

Rating: 5/5 

Tickets cost from £14.40 to £31.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

Goodnight Mister Tom is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 5 March 2016.  For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8717652.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ