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Private Peaceful (Ensemble version)

Michael Morpurgo's moving story of a young soldier, killed by firing squad in the First World War.

This adaptation is for ensemble casts - a version for solo actors is also available.

More information

Description

  • Full Length Play
  • Drama

  • Time Period: 1910s / WWI
"I've had nearly eighteen years of yesterdays and tomorrows, and tonight I must remember as many of them as I can. Tonight, more than any other night of my life, I want to feel alive!"

Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War 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 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.
REVIEWS:

"The horrors of war and the joyfulness of life are bound up together in this magnificent show."

The Scotsman

"As moving as the poetry of Wilfred Owen and as painfully memorable as white-hot shrapnel."

The Sunday Herald

"Morpurgo's magic, a masterly adaptation by Simon Reade... This is one hour of your own life you will never forget."

Daily Mail

Characters

  • Casting: 14M, 5F
  • Casting Attributes: Ensemble cast, Flexible casting

  • TOMMO - Thomas Peaceful
    CHARLIE - his older brother
    BIG JOE - their older brother
    JAMES PEACEFUL - their father
    MOTHER - their mother
    GRANDMA WOLF - Mother's aunt
    MR. MUNNINGS - the school master
    MISS MCALLISTER - Tommo's school teacher
    MOLLY - Charlie and Tommo's friend
    NIPPER - a Biggun at school, later on the Front Line
    PETER - a Biggun at school, later on the Front Line
    LES - a Tiddler at school, son of a rat catcher, later on the Front Line
    JIMMY PARSONS - Charlie and Tommo's school enemy, later on the Front Line
    COLONEL - squire of Iddesleigh
    DOCTOR
    PILOT
    SERGEANT MAJOR
    TOOTHLESS OLD LADY
    RECRUITING SERGEANT
    TIDDLERS
    BIGGUNS
    HATHERLEIGH MARKET CROWD

    • Available Material

    Name Price
    Private Peaceful (Ensemble version) Script This is optional. Order Now

    "I've had nearly eighteen years of yesterdays and tomorrows, and tonight I must remember as many of them as I can. Tonight, more than any other night of my life, I want to feel alive!"

    Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War 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 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.

    		$24.95

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