'Time no longer'
While Philip Pullman's anti-Christian tract draws in families to the National Theatre in London, it is good to know that some repertory companies are looking at less dark material for producing family entertainment.
The Birmingham Stage Company's adaptation of Philippa Pearce's Tom's Midnight Garden is a sheer delight. Now coming towards the end of its tour, the production is entrancingly staged and acted with a fitting mixture of youthful gusto and professional sensitivity.
Set in the 'good old days' of the middle of the 20th century before MMR, Tom is sent to stay with a caring but staid uncle and aunt, in order to avoid catching his brother's measles. The tale begins to be told as Tom writes home to the said brother.
