Podcast: Q&A at Outing to one-man Private Peaceful

Last night (25 September 2012) we took theatregoers to the Theatre Royal Haymarket for our Outing to see Simon Reade‘s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo‘s novel Private Peaceful.

Private Peaceful tells the 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.

Following the show, we had a Q&A with actor Paul Chequer and associate director Mark Leipacher.

Paul Chequer and Mark Leipacher

Leipacher started off discussing the various productions of the show that have been performed, from its origins in Bristol to Edinburgh and now London. He also talked about the universality of Morpugo’s novels, and why they make such good stage shows.

We were then joined by Paul Chequer, who told us about his various experiences of the show, having first starred in it in Bristol 8 years ago, and since having done a radio version of the show, as well as having a small role in the film.

They talked about how the play is different from the book and upcoming film (spoiler alert!), as well as dicussing how Morpurgo and adaptor/director Simon Reade work together. Finally, Leipacher told us how the ending has changed during the various productions, and Chequer talked about the addictiveness of the role.

To
listen to the Q&A, which was hosted by Terri Paddock, click the
‘play’ button below; or to subscribe and download from iTunes, click here.

As
always, please feel free to email your comments and thoughts about the
show, as well as any of your favourite insights from last night to feedback@whatsonstage.com and don’t forget to tweet using #WOSOuting! We would love to hear from you.

– by Rosie Bannister