Our theatre reviewer, Hannah Hobson, shares her thoughts on Private Peaceful at Hull Truck Theatre.
Good storytelling about World War One is hard to find, it’s why we’re so much more used to images of World War Two in popular culture. In the First World War, the villains were less easily characterised, the motivations muddier and the rules of warfare were breaking underfoot. It was, in many ways, utterly senseless and good storytelling is, at its core, about making sense of the world. This is the background that makes Private Peaceful such a uniquely brilliant piece of onstage storytelling.
Simon Reade has captured all the warmth of Michael Morpurgo’s 2003 book. While a deep sense of unease – brought forth by the non-linear structure which pairs a dark night for Tommo (Daniel Rainford) in the trenches with images from his recent past – underpins the whole story, the character dynamics at its heart make the play so compelling. This is greatly aided by the show’s sound design, from Dan Balfour, which rattles and rumbles under the play’s action. Equally, Frank Moon’s compositions add atmosphere, sometimes eerie and sometimes jubilant. It is a production that refuses to be ignored, instead demanding its audience to experience the story fully.
Elle While’s direction, when paired with Reade’s crisp writing, allows for an excellent management of time. As an audience we follow Tommo through his childhood in rural Devon with his brother, Charlie (Daniel Boyd), and best friend, Molly (Liyah Summers), through to the First World War, without ever feeling disorientated by the time jumps. The three actors seem to age from children to teenagers before our eyes. This is aided by Neil Bettles’ movement direction, giving the play a great sense of vitality.
While there can be no doubt as to Private Peaceful being Tommo’s story, Rainford is leading an impressive ensemble cast who play all of the honesty of ordinary people pushed into extraordinary circumstances. Special mention must be made to Tom Kanji who bounced between several parts, without ever missing a beat. He was just as believable as a grieving French father as he was as the overbearing Grandma Wolf. Equally, Daniel Boyd’s performance as Charlie is one suitably powerful and haunting, leaving an impression on the stage fitting to the impact of Charlie on Tommo’s life.
This is a powerful production, visceral and effecting. Private Peaceful is entirely in control of its complex themes and storytelling. Seemingly without effort, the piece makes the history accessible to younger audiences and devastating to older ones. It is occupying the Heron Theatre at Hull Truck Theatre until Saturday 9 April and is a work of stagecraft not to be missed.
[Hannah Hobson – Theatre reviewer]
