Knowing that the Private Peaceful production was based upon a narrative written by Michael Morpurgo to provoke and highlight the need for the government to grant posthumous pardons to English soldiers shot for cowardice in World War One, I brought tissues along with me to the Wolsey Theatre. This stirring performance did not let them go unused.

The New Wolsey Theatre boasted a sold-out audience. However, the steep incline of the seats still allowed everyone a perfect view of the understated set. The minimalistic set consisted only of a day bed, pile of army uniform, and a cloudy backdrop, which put the focus solely on Private Peaceful’s story. Andy Daniel, the only performer in the production, was impressive as he showcased an array of stereotypical accents in order to convey the people that have had an effect on Private Peaceful’s life. Daniel seamlessly guided the audience through poignant, heart-warming and humorous memories by playing a range of characters varying from his brother, teacher, sergeant, German soldier and old woman. With dialogue that was able to make the audience both laugh and cry, it was an incredible exploration of a soldier’s memory conveying to the audience the life the soldiers left behind when they went to the front line.

Comparable to the set, Barnes’ use of sound was also minimal. The occasional ringing of bells and gunfire that ricocheted around the theatre was just enough to help Daniel in moving the audience from one memory to another. Therefore, the audiences’ shock reaction to Private Peaceful’s execution is heightened when twelve Lee Enfield rifle shots boom around the theatre.

Private Peaceful was a perfectly crafted show. Amongst the crowd were groups of schoolchildren who did not murmur or fidget once throughout the show – a sure sign that Daniel had captivated the audience with his truly brilliant performance. The ability to enthral the audience with such a simplistic set and only one actor, fully deserved the standing ovation it was rewarded with. The performance heartbreakingly reminded the audience that behind each statistic and historical artefact is an individual affected by the injustices of war.

Review written by Emily Stebbings, Undergraduate at University Campus Suffolk

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Natalie Chaplin