PRIVATE PEACEFUL Opens Tomorrow at Theatre Royal Winchester

Commemorating the end of World War One, Scamp Theatre's award-winning production of Michael Morpurgo's Private Peaceful heads to Theatre Royal Winchester from Tuesday 13 - Saturday 17 November. This production is full of vivid detail and dramatic narrative, superbly brought to life by Andy Daniel.

Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon - his 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.

The author of War Horse and former Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo's inspiration came from a visit to a museum in Ypres where he was shocked to discover that 306 young soldiers were court-martialled and shot for cowardice during the First World War - two of them simply for falling asleep at their posts. In 2006, the British Government finally granted posthumous pardons to those shot at dawn for cowardice or desertion. Private Peaceful seeks to honour these men and their families.

Private Peaceful is both a compelling love story and a deeply moving account of a soldier's life in World War One.

Michael Morpurgo comments, "Private Peaceful at the theatre is a moving experience that not only tells the story of a young soldier's final day in World War One, but perhaps more importantly conveys the strength of human spirit."

Andy Daniel comments, "It is a privilege to perform in Private Peaceful. Tommo is such a joyful character. The piece itself is incredibly special and it is so important that we continue finding ways to educate and enlighten the younger generation about the horrors and hardships of World War One, something I think this show definitely does. Having said that, it is also a great piece for adults and I really think it is both relevant and engaging for audiences of all ages"

Private Peaceful with be at Theatre Royal Winchester from Tuesday 13 November to Saturday 17 November at 7pm (Matinees on Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri and Sat at 1.30pm). Tickets are available from theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk and from the Box Office 01962 840 440.

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