OPEN AUDITIONS FOR LADS’ SPRING PRODUCTION
Goodnight Mr Tom
Adapted by David Wood from the novel by Michelle Magorian
SUNDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2026 – 10.30AM AT THE MARKET THEATRE, LEDBURY
TO BE PERFORMED 21ST – 23RD MAY 2026
Directed by Zoe Hutton Produced by Craig & Sally Watson
A firm favourite both as a film and novel, Goodnight Mister Tom is brought gloriously to life in this stage adaptation by David Wood. Set during the dark and dangerous build-up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows sad young William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and builds a remarkable and moving friendship with the elderly recluse Tom Oakley. All seems perfect until William is devastatingly summoned by his mother back to London.
This production calls for strong performers of all ages, many of whom multi-role, to tell this powerful story.
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm – 9/9:30pm, plus some Sundays (morning/early afternoon).
Owing to the nature of the play not all of the cast will be called for every rehearsal.
CAST
LARGE ADULT ROLES
Mr Tom Oakley (male – age 60+ )
A lonely and seemingly grumpy widowed old man who takes in William Beech without choice. Tom grows to become a character we adore and care about, as his love for William develops and we learn of his past. This role could be played by a male younger than the age listed with some clever acting and costuming.
Mrs Annie Hartridge / Mrs Beech (female – age 35-40)
Mrs Hartridge is the sweet school teacher of the village.
Mrs Beech is a woman almost possessed by her own beliefs; she appears as a lead role in Act Two of the play. She is nasty and abusive towards her son, William.
MEDIUM ADULT ROLES
Billeting Officer / Miss Thorne (female – age 25-35)
Efficient, no nonsense Miss Thorne is the local librarian and a very enthusiastic amateur dramatics producer for the village.
Charlie Ruddles / David Hartridge / Vicar / Mr Stelton (male – age 18-35)
A multi-role of four characters, including: a busy body ARP Warden; a kind, gentle husband and trainee RAF pilot; a young, enthusiastic vicar; and a psychiatrist.
SMALLER ADULT ROLES
Dr Little / Ticket Collector / Policeman (male or female – any age 18+)
The local doctor / Cockney train worker / London police officer.
Mr or Mrs Miller / ARP Warden (male or female – age 40+)
Proprietor of the post office stores / London-based ARP Warden
Miss Miller (female – age 18-20)
Helps her mother/father in the post office.
Mrs Fletcher / Glad / Social Worker (female – age 35-40)
Multi-role of three characters including: a housewife and the mother to George, Carrie & Ginnie; a warm-hearted Londoner; and a helpful and kind social worker.
ROLES FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
William Beech (male – age 8-13)
Our story’s young and lost soul. William is shy and introverted, but soon grows into a lad we love through his relationship with Mr Tom.
Zach (male – age 8-13)
A loveable, extravagant personality from the get-go, who befriends William.
Sammy the Dog (male or female – age 8-11)
This part has no lines to learn but needs plenty of physicality as Sammy is very often onstage busy sniffing, exploring or sleeping.
Ginnie (female – age 8-13)
Young schoolgirl, twins with Carrie.
Carrie (female – age 8-13)
Young schoolgirl, twins with Ginnie.
George (male – age 11-15)
The twins’ brother, who is a bit mean-spirited and bullies William.
CONTACT
Director – Zoe Hutton – zoe-hutton@hotmail.co.uk or 07759 923790
Producers – Craig Watson – craigw@themarkettheatre.com or 07598 268129
Sally Watson – sallyw@themarkettheatre.com or 07793 315954