Some members of the audience were dabbing their eyes at the end of this moving story of a young boy evacuated from his London home to live in the comparative safety of a Dorset village during the build-up to the Second World War.

Grumpy recluse Tom Oakley isn’t too keen on taking in William Beech at first, and makes only casual reference to large bruises on the lad’s legs, but their friendship blossoms during what is a somewhat gentle paced first act.

But the action really hots up after the interval with a glimpse at life in the boy’s grim home where his troubled mother displays a vile temper, even putting the lives of William and his baby sister in jeopardy.

Veteran Olivier award winning actor Oliver Ford Davies, himself a former evacuee, excels as old Tom, a widower who, concerned at not hearing from the boy for a month, sets out for the capital and succeeds in getting the abused youngster back to the village, eventually adopting him.

Arthur Gledhill-Franks gives a fine performance as William, with Joseph Holgate impressive as the charismatic Zach who becomes his best pal.

And one loveable character who nearly steals the show is Tom’s dog Sammy, played by a life-sized puppet superbly operated by Elisa De Grey. He realistically sniffs at anything that moves - or doesn’t move - barks, growls and snuggles up to his master and new friend, William. A canine cutie.

This brand new production, directed by Angus Jackson, marks the 30th anniversary of the publication of Michelle Magorian’s novel, and is an uplifting tale that touches the heart strings. To Saturday night (April 13).?