Private Peaceful

Published Thursday 3 November 2005 at 11:10 by Natalie Anglesey

Written in 2003 by the Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo, hailed as the father of children’s literature, this vivid evocation of the First World War was inspired by a visit to Ypres, where he was shocked to discover the number of young soldiers who were court-martialled and shot under dreadful circumstances.

Adapted for the stage and directed by Simon Reade, artistic director of the Bristol Old Vic Studio Theatre, this powerful piece was first staged there last year before successful transfers to both London’s Soho Theatre and the Edinburgh festival gleaning awards along the way.

It is easy to see why this emotive work has gathered such accolades, prior to this tour, as there is a raw, but very real quality permeating throughout this production.

Alexander Campbell plays the title role of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young soldier waiting for the firing squad. It is a remarkable performance from such a young actor as he recreates the people he has loved in his brief life.

There is also something about the simplicity of this work that seems to connect with the predominately youthful audience in the small Studio Theatre. But although this play is being promoted as being suitable for all ages, it seemed to be appreciated more by the secondary school-age children in the auditorium.

Nevertheless, this is story-telling at its best and it is important that works like this should be seen as a timely reminder of the horrors of war. Lest they forget.