Nottingham Playhouse has revealed the cast of upcoming wartime tale Private Peaceful. Originating at Nottingham Playhouse the Private Peaceful tour will then take place in Ipswich, Plymouth, Richmond, and Oxford.
Including several actors from Nottinghamshire, it’s a production that is set to transport families and schools back in time.
Acknowledged by Morpurgo as his favourite work, this adaptation is a new ensemble-version by Simon Reade. It follows the adventures of Peaceful brothers, Tommo and Charlie – starting with their childhood adventures in rural England. However, things take a turn as both brothers fall for the same girl just as the Great War begins – with devastating events unfolding as a result.
After being developed by and performed at the theatre, Nottingham Playhouse will be taking Private Peaceful on tour. It will travel to Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre 21–25 April, Plymouth’s Theatre Royal 28 April– 2 May, Richmond Theatre 5–9 May and Oxford Playhouse 12-16 May.
Daniel Boyd (4000 Miles, The Print Room and The Shoemaker’s Holliday, RSC) is confirmed to play Charlie Peaceful, with younger brother Tommo Peaceful played by Daniel Rainford (Bromley Bedlam Bethlehem, Old Red Lion Theatre and Doctors, BBC One). Liyah Summers (Maydays, RSC and Velveteen Rabbit at Everyman Theatre Cheltenham) will play the brothers’ love interest, Molly, as well as a selection of other characters.
Vincent Lai (Wild Goose Dreams, Theatre Royal Bath and The King of Hell’s Palace, Hampstead Theatre) is confirmed to play Big Joe – another Peaceful brother – as well as a pilot, and Lt Buckland. Emma Manton (The Wind in the Willows, New Vic Theatre and Confusions, Stephen Joseph Theatre) will play Mother and Grandma Wolf. Matthew Flynn (The Crucible, Storyhouse and Finding Alice, BBC) will also be returning to Nottingham Playhouse after previously playing Romeo in Romeo & Juliet in 2012, and will be playing Father, Colonel and Sgt Hanley.
The production will be directed by Elle While (The Merry Wives of Windsor, As You Like It and Hamlet, Shakespeare’s Globe and the 2017/2018 Revival director for the UK and International tour of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time).
PRIVATE PEACEFUL UK TOUR 2020
27 March - 11 April 2020
Nottingham Playhouse
21 - 25 April 2020
New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich
28 April - 2 May 2020
Theatre Royal Plymouth
5 - 9 May 2020
Richmond Theatre
12 - 16 May 2020
Oxford Playhouse
Douglas Mayo has had a life long love affair with musical theatre. He has authored several books on publicity and marketing for amateur theatre groups. He is in the process of developing a musical based on his original story concept.
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