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Theatre Review: ‘Tom Gates Live’ (Tour)

A fabulous and funny portrayal of life through the eyes of Tom Gates.

Photo by Mark Douet

Tom Gates who is the main character of Liz Pichon’s books of the same name, has been brought to life in a stage production. The show tells a new story and is a play with songs in it, told through the eyes of its main character Tom, a confident schoolboy of undermined age. Tom can sketch and doodle great images but often gets things a little wrong despite his best efforts.

The exuberant Tom is portrayed by Matthew Chase as a likable boy who is very adept at collecting sad faces on the school achievement chart, not the smiley ones and is hence at risk of not attending the school trip. The tale unfolds of the effort Tom goes to ensure he is able to go. He faces the challenges of the temper of his sister Delia whilst trying to impress the delightful Amy both played by Amy Hargreaves and ignoring the annoying Marcus (Ashley Cousins). Tom’s long-suffering teacher Mr. Fullerman (Daniel Harkin) keeps on giving him the chance to redeem himself but things do not seem to be working out. Tom is also in a band called the Dog Zombies with his two best friends, Derek (Matthew Gordan) and Norman (Justin Davies) who play in their school assembly. Several of the characters are played by the same actor and the transformation between them is quick and cleverly done.

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The scenery is also well done with a huge screen which shows Tom’s sketches, and changes from school, to home, to Toms bedroom smoothly, whilst keeping the feel of Liz Pichon’s original drawings. There are flaps and openings in the screen which creates space for doors, the bed and drawers to be created and used. The depiction of the car journey was done brilliantly using the screen moving and the car and the actors.

This show was a firm favorite with the children of the audience. My young critic thought it was fab, and laughed out loud throughout. He loved the drawing, singing, and scenery, and wanted to come again. It is a full-length production aimed at older school children (books are for 9+) and was enjoyed by the parents as well as they could relate to the tale.

It is a great production for those familiar with the Tom Gates books and would be a fantastic way to introduce them to the theatre for the first time.

Tom Gates Live is running at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking until 22nd June 2019, then touring nationwide.

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