KIDS
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GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM Michelle Magorian’s tale of World War Two evacuees hits the stage A young boy damaged by an abusive mother, and an elderly man who never came to terms with the death of his wife and baby – an unlikely friendship, maybe, but one which forms the core of a heartwarming stage adaptation. instincts take over. Secretly he likes William, but he tries not to feel anything for him, in case something bad happens to the boy.’
Following in the footsteps of the novel, David
Written in 1981, Michelle Magorian’s award- winning novel, Goodnight Mister Tom, follows the story of eight-year-old William, who is evacuated to the English countryside at the start of World War II. There, he is placed in the care of Tom, a man in his late 60s, who has spent most of his life avoiding people in order to prevent further heartache. ‘He’s been grieving for 40 years and not entered into society,’ says Dave Troughton who plays Tom. ‘So he’s not very pleased about having to look after this young boy – but then his paternal
66 THE LIST 4 Feb–7 Apr 2016
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Wood’s stage adaptation has also attracted plaudits, including a prestigious Olivier Award. The subject matters of abuse, neglect and grief may not be laugh a minute, but William’s life in the country – and his return to London – has had audiences of all ages moved, gripped and uplifted.
‘Michelle doesn’t pull any punches,’ says Troughton, ‘which is refreshing because we can protect children a bit too much. The appeal for adults is they see the struggle in the relationship, and children are fascinated by what happens to this young boy.’ (Kelly Apter) ■ Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 8–Sat 12 Mar.