Memories of war in one man show

Scamp Theatre presents the stage production of Michael Morpurgo’s children’s story at the Theatre Royal this week.

The one-man show focuses on private Tommo Peaceful, a young WWI soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn.

Tommo uses the course of the night to look back on his short but happy childhood in rural Devon; his first days at school, the accident which killed his father, the love of his life, Molly and — inevitably — the injustices of war which brought him to the front line.

For those unfamiliar, author Michael Morpurgo also penned the very successful War Horse — and he won Blue Peter Book of the Year for this particular tale, inspired by a visit to Ypres and learning more about the number of young soldiers court-martialled and shot for cowardice during the conflict.

Taking up the role is Paul Chequer, star of the original production at the Bristol Old Vic, as well as the Edinburgh Fringe and on to London.

The latest production of Private Peaceful promises to be a moving affair — perhaps even more so as the country marks the anniversary in honour of the many fallen — for audiences young and old.

Private Peaceful runs at the Theatre Royal June 25-28 — performances at 2pm on Wed, 11am on Thurs, 11am and 2pm on Fri and 11am on Sat. Tickets are £11.90-£26.90 from 0844 871 7647 or www.atgtickets.com.