Here’s a delightful interview where Nick Coffer of Three Counties Radio discusses the 2016 UK Tour of the Olivier winning production of Goodnight Mister Tom with actress and Puppeteer Elisa De Grey.
If you didn’t manage to catch Goodnight Mister Tom – The Play in the West End over Christmas, don’t worry, you can see the touring production across the UK until 21st May 2016.
Here are some reviews from the Manchester production:
“It’s not a story about an old man rescuing an evacuee. It’s a tale about two people who ultimately save each other. Having both encountered such tragedy in their lives they finally realise that when it comes to a losing a loved one ‘it’s better to accept it than to pretend that they never existed’. It’s a tear-jerker if nothing else. But it’s also one you’d be silly to miss.”
“This is a play that truly is cross-generational. What is admirable about Woods’ script is that it plays up to any children watching and asks them to step up to the mark. It is recommended for ages 8+ as it deals with some fairly tough subject matter in places. It is also a lesson in how the war affected all parts of the country and not just those sheltering from the bombing in London. A story of adoption, love, mending, connection and loneliness this is a play that, despite its complexities, can speak to a mix of generations. Although at times it can feel a little melodramatic and sentimental, it hits hard at the heart-strings of its audience. This is a wonderful theatre experience for any parent wanting to share the power of live theatre – Wonderful!”
“With war as the backdrop of the production, casualties are always expected and even as a veteran to this story, when they come they’re not any less difficult to sit through. The actors ellicit real emotion from the audience, packing a punch with their beautifully poignant performances. It may be cliché to say, but there wasn’t a dry eye in the theatre when all was said and done.
Though there are tender moments this is a story that allows the good of the world to take the spotlight as well as the bad. It’s reflective of real life and for that it must be praised. We may wish that things turned out differently for some of the characters, but that wouldn’t be realistic. Goodnight Mister Tom is as real as they come.”
“The stripped back production used only the necessities to create an enchanting hold on those lucky enough to be watching……….Goodnight Mister Tom at The Opera House is a must see for anyone who enjoys a touching wartime narrative, a father-son love story, or for anyone who enjoys good theatre. Simple, stunning, superb.”
Here are the performance dates and you can get more information on the GMT – The Play Website.
23 – 27 Feb 2016
Manchester Opera House
1 – 5 Mar 2016
Milton Keynes Theatre
8 – 12 Mar 2016
Glasgow Theatre Royal
15 – 19 March 2016
Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre
22 – 26 Mar 2016
Oxford New Theatre
29 Mar – 2 Apr 2016
York Grand Opera House
5 – 9 Apr 2016
Richmond Theatre
12 – 16 Apr 2016
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
19 – 23 Apr 2016
Woking New Victoria Theatre
26 – 30 Apr 2016
Theatre Royal Bath
3 – 7 May 2016
Cambridge Arts Theatre
01223 503333
10 – 14 May
Cardiff New Theatre
029 2087 8889
17 – 21 May
Newcastle Theatre Royal
08448 112121
Dear Michelle
My book club are reading “Good Night Mister Tom” and we will be discussing it at out meeting this evening. I thought this might interest you as we are all adults . Our book Book Club is informal and sets out to extend and encourage the range of books we each read hence Sue chose your book for this months read.
My additional reason for letting you know this that I remember you from my school days at the Convent of the Cross when we all traveled on the bus to Stakes Hill.
I enjoyed the book and your writing style and am looking forward to hearing others thoughts on it.
best wishes
Pat
Pat Baptist (previously Mulhern)