Devonshire Park Theatre
Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 November 7.30 pm
Wednesday 19 November 2.30 pm
Private Peaceful, the acclaimed stage production based on Michael Morpurgo’s popular WWI novel, comes to the Devonshire Park Theatre on Monday 17 – Wednesday 19 November in a poignant commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn after being court-martialled for cowardice. During the night he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line.
Michael Morpurgo’s inspiration for Private Peaceful came from a visit to Ypres where he was shocked to discover how many young soldiers were court-martialled and shot for cowardice during the First World War. It was first published in 2003 and adapted for the stage by Simon Reade in 2004. Since 2005, Reade’s production has gone on to play at the Edinburgh Festival, three seasons in the West End and on sell-out tours to great acclaim. A film version of the book was released in 2012
Michael Morpurgo is an award-winning author and former Children’s Laureate. Michael’s best known work is War Horse, which was adapted for the stage by the National Theatre and is now the biggest-selling production at the New London Theatre, where it continues to run. It was also turned into a major feature film by Steven Spielberg. His children’s books include The Wreck of the Zanzibar (Whitbread Children’s Book Award), The Butterfly Lion (Nestlé Smarties Book Prize), Kensuke’s Kingdom (Children’s Book Award) and Private Peaceful (Blue Peter Book of the Year).
Andy Daniel (Journey’s End, History Boys, Beautiful Thing), who plays Private Tommo, has earned glowing reviews for his sensitive portrayal of the young soldier. Suitable for ages 8+
Catch Private Peaceful at the Devonshire Park Theatre on Monday 17 – Tuesday 18 November 7.30 pm, Wednesday 19 November 2.30 pm. Tickets priced from £15.50 are available from the box office on 01323 412000 or book online at www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk. For behind-the-scenes access and news of the latest shows to go on-sale find EBTheatres on Facebook and Twitter.
