Goodnight Mister Tom

Play

Writers: David Wood

Overview

Show Information

Book
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Michelle Magorian's 1981 novel, Goodnight Mister Tom
Category
Play
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2011
Genres
Drama, Comedy
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
West Country, London, England, 1939
Cast Size
medium
Licensor
Ideal for
College/University, High School, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Theatre For Young Audiences (TYA)
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes mature adult, child, early teen, adult, late teen, young adult characters

Synopsis

Based on the 1981 children’s novel of the same name, Goodnight Mister Tom follows the transformative journey of young evacuee, William Beech, During the air raids of World War Two, William is evacuated from London to a small village in the West Country. There, he is put into the care of Tom Oakley, a man who has been living as a recluse for over forty years. William comes from an abusive, sheltered background but, through Tom, he learns how to love, how to make friends, and how to be part of a family. Equally, Tom finds the company and role in life that he was desperately missing. However, when William is called back to London by his disturbed mother, William’s future looks at stake. Tom finds himself unable to give up on his young charge and he follows William to London. There, he rescues him from a desperate situation and begins to rebuild the young boy’s life once more.

Lead Characters


Goodnight Mister Tom guide sections