EDINBURGH 2018: Review: PRIVATE PEACEFUL, Underbelly Cow Barn

Michael Morpurgo's Private Peaceful tells of the life of Thomas Peaceful and his final days serving as a soldier in World War I. On the centenary of the Great War, director Simon Reade brings the play back to Edinburgh ahead of a West End residence and UK tour.

Morpurgo himself describes the piece as "[conveying] the strength of human spirit", and this production does exactly that. The author does not choose to use the war as the centrepiece of the narrative, but rather to frame the delicate tale exploring the formative years of the young Private.

Emotions are stirred, evoking joy and sadness in equal measure but without ever feeling forced. As Tommo Peaceful, Andy Daniel, the sole actor in the company, commands his audience without hesitation and switches between characters with a slick and considered performance.

The ability to hold the attention of the audience in delivering a complex, multi-character script with one actor makes this piece a real treat for audiences.

Private Peaceful is a perfectly balanced example of how excellent writing can be both entertaining and moving at the same time. Whilst the rest of the Fringe buzzes outside its walls, it is well worth taking the time to experience this modern classic delivered at its very best.

Private Peaceful at Underbelly Cow Barn until 27 August

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