CHILDREN’S PLAY MARKS CENTENARY OF WORLD WAR 1

To mark the centenary of World War 1, the celebrated stage production of Michael Morpurgo’s hugely popular children’s story, Private Peaceful, has embarked on a UK tour and will visit Newcastle Theatre Royal, 19 – 22 March. Winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year, the hugely popular novel Private Peaceful is written by the former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo (also author of War Horse), who’s inspiration came from a 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. First published in 2003, the book was adapted for the stage by Simon Reade and had its world premiere in 2004 at the Bristol Old Vic with further productions at the Edinburgh Festival, in the West End and on sell-out tours to great acclaim. Now the production which is aimed at Children aged 8 and above, is back on tour and the Theatre Royal is offering five daytime performances on 19 – 22 March to suit school parties. 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. In this one-man show, the role of Private Tommo Peaceful will be played by Paul Chequer. Chequer appeared in the 2012 film of Private Peaceful in the role of the Corporal. He is perhaps best known on TV for the role of Jamie Collier in the Channel 4 drama As If (2001 – 2004). He also appeared as Nathan in the BBC Three drama Sinchronicity. His numerous theatre appearances include Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse at the National Theatre. Michael Morpurgo commented “2014 marks the Centenary of the First World War. One hundred years on we are all connected to the war, either through our own family history, the heritage of our local communities or because of its long-term impact on society and the world we live in today.” Private Peaceful appears at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Thursday 19 March until Saturday 22 March (Thu – Sat 11am, Wed & Fri 2pm). Tickets are available from £13 (a booking fee of 95p will apply to most tickets) and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk