This stage show adapted by Simon Reade from Michael Morpurgo’s award winning novel takes the eponymous Private Peaceful from the peace of rural Devon to the devastation of WW1.
Switching rapidly between memories of simpler days and one long night in the trenches, the show explores themes of love and loss through 18 year old Tommo Peaceful played by Daniel Rainford.
Despite the subject material, the performance lacks an emotional complexity, which may be best considering the intended audience of largely school children, giving them a gentle introduction to the impact of the war. We get a touching performance from the whole cast, especially the sibling relationship between Tommo and Charlie (Daniel Boyd), particularly in the second half.
Directed magnificently by Elle While, the ensemble cast works tremendously hard portraying a multitude of characters each, switching costumes in the blink of an eye. Singing is a key component of the performance, with Liyah Summers who plays love interest Molly among other characters, the vocal highlight.
Lucy Sierra’s striking set, consisting largely of a sloping pile of corrugated metal and abstract wire shapes arching over the stage, remains the same throughout with only the lighting designed by Matt Haskins drastically transforming the stage from a hostile environment to a welcoming one. Dan Balfour’s soundtrack also complements the setting brilliantly, including a sound for every aspect of the scenes from the serenity of Devon, birds tweeting and rivers running, to the devastating explosions on the battlefield.
It doesn’t quite match the magnitude of War Horse, but with strong messages of compassion and loyalty, and the futility of war, this adaptation is bound to be popular with more than just the school crowd.
Private Peaceful is showing at The Belgrade, Coventry until 21st May and tickets can be purchased here: https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/private-peaceful/
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Katie Reviews 