STUDIO Theatre is looking for a talented youngster to play a leading role in its December production, Goodnight Mister Tom.

Shy William Beech is a 12-year-old boy evacuated from London in 1939 and billeted with reclusive widower Tom Oakley.

How their relationship develops and what happens when William is called back to London by his mother is at the heart of Michelle Magorian’s classic story, adapted for the stage by David Wood.

There are 25 speaking parts for all ages in the play, including William, his friend Zach, elderly Tom Oakley and William’s mother.

The amdram company is holding open auditions at its Ashley Road theatre for adults on Tuesday, September 10 and Friday, September 13 at 7.30pm and for younger people (12-15 years) at 2.30pm on Sunday, September 15.

The play will run from December 6 to 14.

Director Lesley Bates says: “Many people will have read the book or seen the film with John Thaw. It’s a moving, uplifting story with serious themes and I am looking for an ensemble cast of 12 to 14, with most doubling parts from vicars, grumpy ARP wardens, drama teachers and librarians to cheery Londoners, Dorset village GPs and schoolchildren."

For more details contact Lesley on lesleybates@talktalk.net or call 01725 512650.

n The next show coming up at Studio Theatre is A Bunch of Amateurs by Nick Newman and Ian Hislop, which is directed by Anthony von Roretz and Jill Redston, and runs from October 14 to 19.

To find out more about Studio go to studiotheatre.org.uk