Auditions are now being held for our next production that’s going to be staged 11-14th March 2026 at the Robin Hood Theatre.
Argent Theatre is pleased to be presenting this superb heart-warming production, directed by Rebecca Smith.
‘Goodbye Mr Tom’ is a production that draws on our strengths as a company, being a real ensemble piece. All actors (with the exception of Mister Tom and William) will take on more than one role.
The play has 5 young children in it, we are pleased to say we have a talented bunch of youngsters to play the children.
We have also cast Sammy the dog , some of you may know her as Elsa, the Crufts award wining canine!
Here’s a quick summary of the story:
World War Two, young William Beech is evacuated to the English countryside where he is billeted with elderly recluse Tom Oakley.
This unlikely pairing gradually form a friendship, finding that neither are how they seem at first glance. Life begins to develop into a near perfect setting for William until his mother unexpectedly calls him back to London.
Michelle Magorian’s heartwarming and timeless story is brought to life in this adaptation by David Wood and is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit and a testament to the enduring power of kindness, compassion, and how love can heal even the deepest wounds.
A play for all the family and winner of the Olivier Award 2013 for Best Entertainment.
Now, the bit all auditionees look for ‘is there a part for me?’
The adult characters in order of appearance.
THE VILLAGE:
Billeting Officer - efficient, no-nonsense female, leads evacuees in singing.
Tom Oakley – 60s, grumpy loner, huge but super role
Charlie Ruddles – ARP Warden
Mrs Fletcher – Housewife & Mother
Doctor Little – The local Doctor .
Mrs Annie Hartridge – The local School Teacher
Mr David Hartridge – her husband, trainee RAF Pilot
Miss Thorne – local librarian & amateur dramatics producer, works closely with the children
Mr/Mrs Miller – Proprietor of the post office/store
Miss/Mrs Miller – helps in the store
Vicar – Enthusiastic, Joins in the local dramatics group
LONDON
Mrs Beech – William’s Mother, strict, prim, disturbed
Ticket-Collector
ARP Warden
Gladys – warm-hearted neighbour of Mrs. Beech
Policeman – only a few lines
Hospital Nurse and Sister
Mr Stelton – a Psychiatrist
Social Worker
When not playing a ‘part’ our cast will be involved in both Act 1 and 2 as villagers and Londoners
Rehearsals start in September and take place at Cleveland Square Community centre in Newark and the Robin Hood Theatre. Some work with individuals or small group may be done at Mary’s house in Newark.
IMPORTANT!
I plan to rehearse on Sunday afternoons, so if this isn’t for you at least you know this now.
In addition there will be evening rehearsals.
Regarding the children - as we will be working with children as young as 9, we’ll need to maintain a supportive and caring rehearsal atmosphere and all cast will be reminded of their responsibilities regarding safeguarding of young people. We want them to enjoy the process as much as we do. We will also make sure that cast members are aware of any additional needs of their fellow cast and crew members.
I am so excited about this production, I hope to see you at the audition and if you’d like a script to look at please contact me (Rebecca) Mary or John.
Any questions, please get in touch.
Also check out other Arts events in Newark-on-Trent, Theatre events in Newark-on-Trent, Nonprofit events in Newark-on-Trent.
