A major UK tour of Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful will open in September 2026, with newly announced dates extending the production’s run into February 2027.
Rising star Benjamin Cain has been cast as Tommo Peaceful in the one-person adaptation, marking his professional debut after graduating from the BA Professional Acting course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Adapted and directed by Simon Reade, the production brings Morpurgo’s celebrated novel to life through the performance of a single actor, who conjures an entire world of characters and experiences in a story exploring family, love and the devastating impact of war.
Cain said: “I am incredibly excited and grateful to be doing this play and to be working with so many brilliant themes. Simon has created such a relaxed atmosphere since the first audition and is so passionate, it will be a privilege to work with him.”
Reade added: “Earlier this summer I saw a young actor in his graduating show at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School: Benjamin Cain. He was witty, truthful, strong yet vulnerable. I knew at once here was our new Peaceful. Ben was raised in a Dorset village. For him, this really is a story close to home. What an opportunity, for me as much as Ben, to revive Michael’s contemporary classic of love and loss – this theatrical celebration of life.”
Originally created by Reade and Morpurgo in 2004 at Bristol Old Vic, Private Peaceful has enjoyed an extensive life on stage, playing the West End, touring internationally and appearing Off-Broadway. Reade also adapted the story for BBC Radio 4 and the feature film adaptation.
The production follows Tommo Peaceful as he reflects on his life, family and experiences during the First World War. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, the story has become a modern classic for audiences of all ages.
Produced by Joshua Beaumont and Matthew Emeny for The Production Garden in association with Exeter Northcott Theatre, the tour will visit venues including Exeter, Edinburgh, London, Coventry, Leicester, Northampton and Blackpool.
Suitable for ages 9+, the tour begins at Exeter Northcott Theatre on 9 September 2026 before travelling across the UK through to February 2027.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
