Private Peaceful

Synopsis

Private Peaceful tells the heart-wrenching story of Tommo, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night he relives his short but vivid past: his terrifying first day at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; late-night poaching with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that have brought him to the Front Line. Age 8+

Our Review:

7 September 2007

World War One, the “War to End All Wars”, has been the subject of many stage productions, as well as numerous TV and radio dramas. For me, there isn't any subject matter which moves me quite as much. Michael Morpurgo's Private Peaceful deals with the most tragic and disgraceful situations of all during that conflict – those British soldiers, over 300 of them, who were “shot at dawn” by their own side.

Private Tommo Peaceful (Alexander Campbell) is introduced to us as we enter the intimate Trafalgar Studio 2, lying on his bed in the condemned's cell. During his final few hours before his execution for cowardice in the face of the enemy, he takes the audience on his life journey, through schooldays, first love, joining the army, and fighting for King and country. It's like watching an autobiography being acted out in front of you. This style of storytelling is surprisingly effective in bringing the audience close to the character, so by the end it is ...

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Latest User Review

Sycamore Flint - 17 September 2007:

Moving portrayal of a young WWI private's reflection on his short life as he awaits his execution on an unjust charge of 'cowardice'. Author Michael Morpurgo draws attention to the lack of justice shown to many executed soldiers similarly wrongly charged, and our government's continuing refusal to pardon them (unlike other allied nations). Alexander Campbell's performance is astonishing in its breadth. He allows Tommo to mature before our eyes and also portrays a range of other characters, while using every inch of the intimate space. In light of all this, I was sorry to see many empty seats. If you read this please try to see this excellent production during its last week-and-a-half....

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