Private Peaceful

           Written by ‘War Horse’ author Michael Morpurgo, Tommo, a sixteen year old from Devon, reflects on his life as he waits for the firing squad. His crime, refusing a direct command to leave his wounded brothers side!

           Many of the young cast in this production were the same age as the horrendous war victims and three hundred plus soldiers shot for above such mentioned crimes. A fact that evokes powerful feelings which were strongly represented by the cast!

           A well-defined split set, special effects and atmospheric lighting created a dramatic and realistic backdrop to the action which seamlessly jumped to each area of the stage in the form of a sequence of flashbacks. The appearance of the town band, playing amidst the cast at poignant moments added to the emotional feel of the play.

            The full drama and power of the story came directly from the talented cast. Tommo in particular held the audience in his hands as he recalled his childhood memories with stirring emotion. Together, the cast brought stark realism to an episode in history that should forever be remembered in the hope that it will never be repeated! A  powerful production indeed,which certainly planted that seed.

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