New Forest Players 
Ballard School, New Milton 
Darren Funnell 
24 July 2024
“Goodnight, Mister Tom,” adapted from Michelle Magorian’s novel, is a poignant and moving play that captures the essence of human resilience and the power of friendship. The story centres around William Beech, a young evacuee from London, and Tom Oakley, a reclusive widower living in a quaint village. This stage adaptation, directed by Sarah Haberfield, transports the audience to the tumultuous times of World War II, where the most unlikely bonds are formed. Sarah’s direction effectively balances moments of intense emotion with lighter, more hopeful scenes, and sensitively handles issues such as child abuse, loss, and trauma.
The casting is very strong. Miles Sandford (William) delivers a charming performance as he transforms from a scared, withdrawn boy to a confident and happy child. Equally compelling is John Langridge (Tom), whose not-so-gruff exterior slowly reveals a heart of gold. The chemistry between the two leads is delightful, making their growing relationship both believable and touching.
The supporting cast adds depth, vibrancy, and seamless scene changes to the production. Where roles are doubled up, it isn’t noticeable, which is important when depicting two very different communities. From the kind-hearted villagers who welcome William with open arms to the more complex characters like the chain-smoking but ultimately caring doctor (David Luker) or the Londoners in the air raid shelter led by the earthy and wonderful Glad (Debbie Jettern), each role is portrayed with an obvious love for the material. It is also a delight to see so many young and talented performers on stage. I look forward to seeing more of all of them in future productions. I also hope we get to see Sammy the Dog (Honey Neal – Puppeteer) again, who deservedly received a resounding cheer after two hours of back-breaking work bringing the dog to life. Well done
Special mention should go to Thomas Caton (Zach), William’s exuberant friend, whose infectious energy is ultimately heartbreaking, and Victoria Sandford (Mrs. Beech), William’s abusive mother, whose presence looms large even when off-stage, and when on-stage is truly terrifying. The play’s focus on the ‘good’ in a serene, tightly knit community set in a picturesque rural landscape, reminiscent of simpler times, is telling. It is the same community that inadvertently, or deliberately, has consequences for the non-conformist entertaining Jewish boy and a character with mental health issues.
In Act 1, I would have liked more emphasis on the evacuation scenes to convey the confusion and fear of the children being sent away from their families; it felt more like a group of youngsters reluctantly going on a school trip. I felt it slightly slowed the play’s shift to the tranquil English countryside, making it harder to show the stark contrast between the haven that Tom’s home becomes for William and his home in ‘Deptford.’
However, by the time Act 2 unfolds, the direction captivates the emotions, with the performances hitting every note. The authenticity ensures that each moment resonates deeply, making the experience unforgettable and moving.
The set design (David Ward, Richard White) is simple but includes some very clever features, which I found particularly effective. The transitions between the bombed-out streets of London and the idyllic countryside are achieved through clever and well-executed use of lighting, props, and sound design (Ben Sandford, Judy Anders, and Monika Syta). Without a doubt, the costume work here is outstanding. The coordination by Katie Butler and all those who participated was fantastic. I shall be reaching out to Anita Birchenhall as I REALLY want the bespoke jumper knitted for Zach. And what a great poster design. A great production team, thank you.
New Forest Player’s “Goodnight, Mister Tom” is ultimately a beautifully crafted production that demonstrates the impact that one person’s kindness can have on another’s life. Whether you are a fan of the book or new to the story, this play, showing at Ballard School until the 27th of July, is a must-see for its timeless message of hope and healing.
