Fresh from sell-out runs in Bristol Old Vic’s Studio Theatre, London’s Soho Theatre and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scamp are delighted to present the Bristol Old Vic Production of the one-man show Private Peaceful, a powerful story of hope by Michael Morpurgo and starring Alexander Campbell showing at WMC from 1-2 November.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. This remarkable book, winner of the 2005 Blue Peter Book of the Year award, is the latest by the third Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo. The inspiration for Private Peaceful came from Morpurgo’s 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. Michael Morpurgo’s reputation in the world of children’s books is unparalleled, having won the 1995 Whitbread Award for The Wreck of the Zanzibar, the 1996 Smarties Book Prize for The Butterfly Lion and the 2000 Children’s Book Award for Kensuke’s Kingdom. Private Peaceful is adapted and directed for the stage by Bristol Old Vic’s Artistic Director Simon Reade. His previous adaptations include Ted Huges’ Tales from Ovid and Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children both for the RSC as well as Philip Pullman’s Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp for Bristol Old Vic this Christmas. Private Peaceful enjoyed hugely successful runs at Bristol Old Vic in April 2004, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 04, and Soho Theatre London Sept 04, UK tour 2005, Trafalgar Studios London 2006 proving popular with audiences of all ages. Alexander Campbell won the Manchester Evening News Best Actor in a Studio Production award for his performance in the role of Tommo. “Morpurgo’s magic, a masterly adaptation by Simon Reade .... This is one hour of your own life you will never forget.” Daily Mail “The sheer restrained power of Morpurgo’s writing keeps you gripped.” The Guardian Private Peaceful will show at WMC from and tickets are priced at £. To book your tickets, call the Ticket Office on 08700 40 2000. |
| Wales Millennium Centre web site: www.wmc.org.uk |
| Esther Eckley e-mail: |
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 |
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