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Overview

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.

Show Information

Book
David Wood
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Michelle Magorian's 1981 novel, Goodnight Mister Tom
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
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
Samuel French
Ideal For
College/University, High School, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Theatre For Young Audiences (TYA), Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Child, Early Teen, Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Tom Oakley

Lead

Male

Non-singer

William Beech

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Charlie Ruddles / David Hartridge / Vicar / Mr. Stelton

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Dr. Little / Ticket Collector

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

George Fletcher / Policeman

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Mr. Miller / ARP Warden (London)

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Zach

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Billeting Officer / Miss Thorne

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Mrs. Fletcher / Glad / Social Worker

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Mrs. Annie Hartridge / Mrs. Beech

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Carrie / Sister

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Ginnie / Nurse

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Miss Miller / Ensemble

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

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Key Terms

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Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher