Private Peaceful is the much-loved novel by the ever-popular Michael Morpurgo.

The Private Peaceful company in Private Peaceful | Photo © Manuel Harlan
The tale of the Peaceful brothers growing up and fighting in World War I is a historically accurate story full of heart and hardship, family and friendship.
This production is a visual feast, full of physical theatre, music and choreographed moments set against a Brechtian interpretation of multi role-playing.
The design from Lucy Sierra is a stunning, versatile set of ramps with a barbed wire frame which is lit to atmospheric perfection by Matt Haskins.
Leading the small cast is Daniel Rainford as Thomas “Tommo” Peaceful, growing effortlessly from child to tormented soldier conveying the trauma and chaos of life in the trenches.
Daniel Boyd (Charlie Peaceful), the elder brother who Tommo follows to war has great confidence and swagger in his younger years which life experiences slowly drag from him. Their relationship on stage is strong and the final moments are well played.
The whole cast work well together, there are moments of comedy, especially through John Dougall who creates a myriad of characters throughout the evening.
This is a good production and an ideal opportunity for a half-term treat with a firm family favourite.
The drama unfolds at a heady pace, but the essence is full of integrity. The final image of the colours of Ukraine is a salient reminder of how fragile life is and how futile war can be.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
Private Peaceful, by Michael Morpurgo and adapted by Simon Reade, is showing at the Theatre Royal in Bath until Saturday 16th April 2022.