Warning: Contains spoilers.

On the 19th April I went to watch the theatre adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s book Private Peaceful at the Rep theatre. As someone who studies War History, I was thoroughly impressed with the production.  Crossing over culture and war does not always succeed, but the theme of war was handled sensibly and respectfully within the production. Writer Simon Reade did incredibly well in adapting Morpurgo’s novel into a theatre script, and one is able to follow the story of Private Peaceful easily.

I was incredibly impressed by Daniel Rainford’s portrayal of the protagonist and narrator Tommo Peaceful. As he is the central character the success of the piece hinges on the actor who plays Tommo. He more than stepped up to the plate, demonstrating his immense range and showcasing his maturity in his sensitive handling of the theme of war. His portrayal of Tommo’s PTSD was particularly effective; the audience felt the sheer terror of Private Tommo Peaceful from the acting of Rainford. They also felt the immense sadness when Tommo learnt that his brother Charlie would be shot by a firing squad for cowardice. Tommo is supposed to be fifteen years old when he signs up to fight in France and he movingly portrayed the role of an underage young man who wants to do his part for his country.

I was equally impressed with Daniel Boyd’s portrayal of Charlie Peaceful. Boyd was able to communicate the love of the older brother for his younger brother very well. Charlie looked after Tommo all of his life and died trying to save him. The ability to handle important historical events such as facing a court-martial and being shot by a firing squad for cowardice demonstrates that Boyd is mature and able to handle difficult themes. He was able to play a significant part in ensuring that those who were court marshalled and sentenced to death are not forgotten. If young people such as Daniel Boyd tell the story of those who can no longer tell it for themselves it is certain that their stories will never be lost. 

The brotherly bond between Tommo and Charlie was powerfully evident within Private Peaceful; Rainford and Boyd work incredibly well together as brothers. Together they were able to evoke an emotional response from the audience, and demonstrate how so many underage boys were able to sign up to fight during WW1 due to lying about their age, many of whom were helped by people who knew them such as their own brothers.

Liyah Summers gave an outstanding performance within her five roles within Private Peaceful. Each role was clearly separate which demonstrates a high level of skill on her part. Her portrayal of Molly was truly excellent and the bond between Tommo, Charlie and Molly could be felt by all which is a testament to their skill.  Molly also represents many women who were left without their husbands and with children without fathers after WW1. Her portrayal of Anna was also superb and when her father states that she has died to Tommo the immense sadness can be felt; she represented the many civilian casualties that occurred in France. 

Emma Manton also gave a superb performance within her nine roles. Her role as Hazel Peaceful was possibly her best portrayal as you could sympathise with the plight of a lower-class mother who was left to feed her three children after their father died, and who had to witness two of her children sign up to fight in the First World War. It was the perfect touch to have Molly and Hazel Peaceful standing on the stage when Charlie was shot by the firing squad as it was a clear visual sign to signify those who would be left to deal with his loss. John Dougall also provided a great performance within his twelve roles and each one could be distinguished from the other. The same can be said for Tom Kanji with his eight roles and for Robert Ewens with his four roles.

When the actors were all together, acting out their roles as soldiers, I felt that the atmosphere created was incredibly accurate. All of the soldiers looked out for each other as I imagine that real soldiers would. They also cracked a few jokes and drank a few drinks just as I think they would have. I believe that having the bond so clear added to the audience feeling that you were truly at war. 

Emilie Madison Berger did an impeccable job on the WW1 soldiers’ uniforms that were used within the theatre production of Private Peaceful. The uniforms chosen were incredibly believable as British WW1 uniforms and details such as the webbing further increased the authenticity. The detail of wearing the caps when not on the frontline and the tin helmets when at the frontline was also a perfect authentic touch. It was very clear to me that she has conducted her research well before creating or sourcing the uniforms for the actors. 

Rating: 5/5

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