New Forest Players to perform Goodnight Mr Tom at Ballard School Performing Arts Centre

BASED on Michelle Magorian’s award-winning novel, the cast of New Forest Players will perform Goodnight Mr Tom next week.

On stage at Ballard School’s Performing Arts Centre, the show features a cast of 21, aged between eight and 80, under the direction of Sarah Haberfield.

Sarah said: “I first came across Michelle Magorian’s wonderful novel Goodnight Mr Tom when I was teaching a Second World War topic to my Year 6 class.

“It gave such a brilliant insight into life at the time, especially from a child’s point of view. I then loved the film starring John Thaw that was released in 1998, and was delighted to discover that the excellent children’s playwright, David Wood had adapted a version for the stage.”

Set during the dark build-up to the Second World War, the story follows reclusive widower Tom Oakley who lives with his beloved dog, Sammy, in an idyllic West Country village. He unexpectedly agrees to take in William, an evacuee from London, who is frightened of everything and everyone. He has been physically abused by his deranged mother and has never experienced love.

William gradually makes friends, learns to read, meets extrovert fellow evacuee, Zach, and discovers the joys of a welcoming rural community.

“At times the play is achingly sad, sometimes funny, feels deeply honest and will tear at your heart-strings,” added Sarah. “It is so much more than a sentimental wartime story – it is a tale of two lost souls who, by finding each other, discover real happiness.”

Goodnight Mr Tom is on stage at Ballard School Performing Arts Centre at 7.30pm from 24th to 27th July,including a Saturday matinee. Tickets are £13 for adults and £8 for children. To book visit newforestplayers.com or call 01425 542414.