'Goodnight Mister Tom' set to move ERT audiences this Christmas

"Rehearsals are underway at the East Riding Theatre in Beverley, for David Wood's magical stage adaptation of Michelle Margorian's deeply moving wartime classic novel, Goodnight Mister Tom.

A worldwide classic book and BAFTA award-winning TV film (starring John Thaw) Goodnight Mister Tom continues to inspire audiences through the tale of Wille Beech, the abused child of a single mother, who is evacuated to the English countryside. At first, he is terrified of everything. The country sounds and sights, even of Mr Tom, the gruff, kindly old man who has taken him into his home.

But gradually Willie forgets the hate and despair of his past. He learns to love a world he never knew existed, a world of friendship and affection in which harsh words and daily beatings have no place.

Then a telegram comes. Willie must return to his mother in London. When weeks pass by with no word from Willie, Mr Tom sets out for London to look for the young boy he has come to love as a son.

Jake Smith, who has worked at The National Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre and is currently a Resident Director at the Almeida returns to East Riding Theatre after directing last year's sell-out show, it’s a Wonderful Life. Jake says “I am delighted to return to East Riding Theatre to direct another powerful story of friendship and community. After last year’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life, Goodnight Mister Tom follows on with the theme of what Christmas is truly about family, love, laughter and in particular the power and perseverance of a community. In this reclaimed, reinvented and actor-musician fused production, we will breathe new life into this classic story, which will bring generations together over the festive season. I look forward to you joining us for Michelle Magorian's wonderfully uplifting tale, which will make you, laugh, cry and bring warmth to your heart in this magical stage adaptation by David Wood.”

The eleven-strong cast features ERT debutant Roger Alborough following in the footsteps of John Thaw as Tom Oakley. Whilst local school children Benjamin Ainsworth & Joe Dawson will share the role of William Beech.

Adrian Rawlins, artistic director at East Riding Theatre, said, “Goodnight Mister Tom is one of those rare stories that appeal wholeheartedly to both children and adults. 

I imagine all of us at some point have felt a little lost and lonely so it's not difficult to hook into and root for both Mr Tom and Willie Beech as they struggle with their new lives after being thrown together by the drastic circumstances of the Second World War.

Of course being a Christmas show there is plenty to laugh and sing about as Goodnight Mister Tom is populated with wonderful, colourful characters who will have you laughing your socks off. I'm delighted to have Jake Smith directing again. If you enjoyed it’s a Wonderful Life you know you're in for another fantastic ERT Christmas treat.”

Goodnight Mister Tom runs at East Riding Theatre, 10 Lord Roberts’ Road, Beverley, HU17 9BE from Thursday, 13 December until Sunday, 6 January 2019. Performances are at 7:30 pm & 2:30 pm.

Tickets are available from the ERT Box Office on 01482 874050 or www.eastridingtheatre.co.uk