Katherine MacAlister talks to David Troughton who plays Mister Tom

GOODNIGHT Mister Tom is such a life affirming book, such a rollercoaster ride of emotions, such a classic, that bringing it to the stage was always going to be a big ask. And yet the West End play triumphed, encapsulating everything that its fans had hoped – the tragedy, the bittersweet gamut of highs and lows, the emotion, the friendship, the redemption, all set against the historic background of the Second World War.

The part of Mister Tom was therefore one that David Troughton had always coveted, and he is understandably delighted to be starring in the touring version, coming to Oxford next week.

“It’s a part I have always wanted to play,” he admits “because it is the most wonderful book, so it’s a pleasure to have been asked. And while others have played Mister Tom in the past (John Thaw played the old man in the TV adaption), now it’s my turn and I hope I can carry on the good work.

For those of you who haven’t read the novel, Goodnight Mister Tom is the story of a grumpy, anti-social old man forced to take in a very shy and damaged little boy called Will as an evacuee, and how their developing relationship proves their salvation. It has enormously dark parts, Will having been formerly abused, but as David says, the story is always infused with hope.

With three children of his own and several grandchildren to hand, David crucially understands his audience better than most: “This is fundamentally and adult play for children, so the scenes are kept short to keep the children’s attention.”

Despite cutting his teeth in children’s theatre when he first started out in 1969, what is different is that the children’s parts in Goodnight Mister Tom are played by children rather than adults.

“David Woods, who adapted it, was adamant about that and he was absolutely right, but there are three sets of child actors playing Zac and Will who alternate, so there is a continual readjustment, to be made and that is a challenge.”

When not on stage, David is buried away in the recording studio voicing his part of Tony Archer in The Archers, having taken over from Ambridge stalwart Colin Skipp two years ago, still managing to record the 30 episodes of The Archers every five weeks, despite the 180 date Goodnight Mister Tom tour. And with a stint playing the Earl of Gloucester in King Lear at the RSC after this, he’s never been busier.

Hailing from the acting dynasty, his father Patrick taking over from William Hartnell as the second Dr Who, David married an actress and two of his three children are actors, as well as his brother. “Yes, it’s in the blood I’m afraid,”

Otherwise you’ll find David on the cricket pitch umpiring for the Stratford Second XI cricket team, near his home, which he is “absolutely fanatic about.”

In the meantime shall we expect many a tear to be shed when Goodnight Mister Tom materialises in Oxford?

“This is fundamentally a story about Mister Tom learning to be a father. And while it’s very emotional, it’s also about loneliness, friendship and regeneration. “So yes, bring your hankies. You’ll need them.”

Goodnight Mister Tom

March 22-26

New Theatre

0844 8713020

atgtickets.com/oxford