A huge well done to all our Year 8 children involved in the Private Peaceful production, you were wonderful!
Here is a review written by Toby (8G)
‘Private Peaceful’ was written by Michael Morpurgo, and adapted to be a play by Simon Reed. ‘Private Peaceful’ is a heart-warming tragedy about the friendship of two brothers. Act 1 is set in Devon, and Act 2 is set in the trenches in France.
Over 100 props were collected, and bought by the incredible director, Mrs Mason. Authentic rifles, pistols, officer’s badges and even cutlery from 1912. The lighting and sound was done by an amazing, professional team, looking absolutely stunning, and adding to the immersion. A forest backdrop completed the look. In some of the domestic scenes in act 1, chairs and table was lifted by a specialised team, who had been trained by Mrs Mason. Costumes were hired from Petersfield Wardrobe, and looked beautiful, and perfectly complemented the acting
One of my personal favourite sections was the scene of the death of Private Peaceful, where actor Hugo, playing the role of Charlie Peaceful, with hands quivering, was tied up, and blindfolded. Blackout. The only sound was sobbing parents, and the crack of gunshots. Another of my favourite scenes was after the death of Charlie, when Big Tommo, played by Charlie, and Little Tommo, played by Bertie, walked off comforting each other, symbolizing what was going through Tommo’s mind, as he tried to comfort himself. Big Tommo broke down into tears, and the lights masterfully reflected the mood. My final favourite scene was the “Gas, Gas” scene, as it was remembered by the director and cast. The acting was perfect, and the green light and smoke added to the atmosphere. Gabriel, playing Sergeant “Horrible” Hanley, delivered his lines with shocking effect, leaving the audience stunned. Leon, playing the role of Nipper, expertly acted the effect of gas in the trenches, before dying in a horrible, and dramatic way.
If we were to perform again, I would make sure that I took less time on the drunken acting, as it delayed impactful lines from Captain Wilkes. I also would make sure that my watch was in the right pocket.
