Theatre / Theatre Royal Bath
Review: Private Peaceful, Theatre Royal Bath – ‘a remarkable production’
A bit timely, this one. Private Peaceful, Michael Morpurgo’s book about a 15-year old boy who enlists in the Great War has been adapted for stage. It’s a very thoughtful way to remind ourselves of – and introduce older children to – the realities and impacts of war.
Directed by Elle White – with the book adapted by Simon Reade – this production is frankly remarkable. My 11 year-old was on the edge of his seat, as breathless and as engaged as the largely adult audience.
It’s a simple story (and not all the book is dramatised), with a twist I won’t spoil. A loving Devon family, dependent on their father’s work on a farm, is up-ended with the death of their father and the coming of war. Although he’s just married and has a baby on the way with schoolmate Molly, 19 year-old Charlie is seduced by the recruitment drive.
is needed now More than ever
Daniel Rainford as Thomas ‘Tommo’ Peaceful and Emma Manton as Miss McAllister – photo: Manuel Harlan
His younger brother Tommo – although only 15 – resolves to follow, and they head to Belgium. War is hard; officers are flawed. We meet Tommo in the trenches, as the condemnations of a court martial ring in his ears. With us, he counts down the hours ’til dawn and the firing squad.
Except for Daniel Boyd (Charlie Peaceful) and Daniel Rainford (Tommo Peaceful), everyone plays multiple parts, seamlessly and delightfully. John Dougall, Robert Ewens, Tom Kanji, and Emma Manton multi-role with dexterity. You believe in each and every rounded (and often witty) character they give you.
Liyah Summers plays Molly beautifully, and also disappears into five other parts. And the leads – Daniel Boyd and Daniel Rainford as brothers Charlie and Tommo – depict a convincing and caring duo at the heart of a strong family unit.
Daniel Rainford as Tommo and Daniel Boyd as Charlie – photo: Manuel Harlan
But how does it work so outstandingly well? Because the set, lighting, music and sound work are award-winningly good. Together, they create an entirely immersive world – worlds, in fact. With the help of Neil Bettles’ smart movement direction, we slip effortlessly from a sepia-tinted pastoral idyll, all splashing summer rivers and happy toil in the field, into the trenches of Ypres with rats and shells all around; then back to family, village and fields.
This is a team making theatrical magic. There’s threatening ground-rumbles and silhouettes, achingly eloquent skylines, innocent party songs and the haunting voices of a mind in pain. Full credit to composer Frank Moon, sound designer Dan Balfour, lighting designer Matt Haskins and designer Lucy Sierra. With director Elle White, they have brought us something of the highest standard.
Catch it while you can in Bath, before it heads off on tour.
Daniel Boyd, Liyah Summers, Daniel Rainford, Emma Manton – photo: Manuel Harlan
Private Peaceful (age recommendation 9+) is at Theatre Royal Bath on April 12-16 at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinee on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tickets are available at www.theatreroyal.org.uk.
Main photo: Manuel Harlan
Read more: Review: Five Children and It, The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath
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