Following a highly successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful embarks on an exciting West End run and UK Tour. Commemorating the 100th year anniversary of the end of World War I, Scamp Theatre’s award-winning production is full of vivid detail and dramatic narrative, superbly brought to life by Andy Daniel.
Tour details can be found here.
Private Peaceful is heading out on tour, what can you tell us about it?
Private Peaceful is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Morpurgo. It follows the story of two brothers, Tommo and Charlie Peaceful as they join the army, fight in WW1 and encounter all the horrors that conflict entailed. The show is told from the perspective of Tommo as he awaits the firing squad at dawn and relives his life with the audience. This all makes it sound very depressing but there is also a lot of joy as Tommo remembers his life in Devon, his close bond with his brother and his relationship with the love of his life, Molly. The show is a great piece for audiences of all ages!
Will fans of Michael Morpurgo’s novel recognise the story in this stage adaptation?
Definitely. We have changed very little. Although a few characters have been cut just for clarity and expediency. The book is all from Tommo’s perspective as well, which is why this adaptation is so truthful and loyal to the book, because Tommo’s views and outlook on life carries over. However, there is one big change that we have made but I don’t want to reveal any spoilers.
Why do you think it translates so well to the stage?
The show is just such a beautiful, heart-warming and heart-breaking story. By having it as a one man show you are able to really connect with the audience in a really unique and lovely way. People really get to know Tommo and see him as a friend and this means that are carried along by his story and really feel for his plight.
You’ve just finished a run at Edinburgh Fringe, how was that?
It was great! The show went down really well there and the festival itself is so fun. Although it did take about a week to recover as it’s pretty knackering!
How do you think Edinburgh will have prepared you for the tour?
Stamina. Definitely. Doing the show every day for a month with only one day off really builds up your stamina and also makes you feel really comfortable with what is a physically, vocally and emotionally demanding show for an actor.
You’re on your own on stage for the full running time, how do you prepare yourself for each performance?
I do a really rigorous vocal warm up as my voice gets really tested during the show. I also give myself about 5-10 minutes before the show to really get myself into the right emotional state for the beginning of the show. Prior to the show starting Tommo is supposed to have really been through a pretty emotionally draining encounter and it’s important to be in that place at the start of the show. So, I do a lot of visualisation to help me get to that place.
Just been to see Private Peaceful at Theatre Royal Wakefield. What a great peace of history , put onto stage. Andy Daniel plays the private with such a commanding performance , he owned the part. would recommend it to anyone.