There wasn’t a dry eye in the house at the end of the very moving and brilliantly realised stage adaptation of the classic novel, Goodnight Mr Tom, at the Opera House.
David Troughton in the title role is excellent as the reluctant carer for a war time evacuee finding a new lease of life having endured his own personal tragedies.
The uncompromising portrayal of a nation at war pulls no punches in dealing with horrors faced on the home front and a series of strong performance makes this production a memorable and rewarding theatre experience.
Young William escaping the wartime blitz is brilliantly brought to life by Alex Taylor-McDowell and Oliver Loades is similarly superb as his flamboyant best friend Zach.
The novel by Michelle Magorian is celebrating its 35th anniversary and follows young William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and forges a remarkable and heart-warming friendship with the elderly recluse, Tom Oakley.
The story is sad and at the same time gloriously uplifting. Well worth at visit.