‘Private Peaceful’ to transfer to the Garrick Theatre

The production marks the first new West End play to open since lockdown began.

After premiering at the Barn Theatre, Private Peaceful will transfer to the Garrick Theatre. Adapting Michael Morpurgo's war-themed novel of the same name, Private Peaceful will play four performances at Bristol Old Vic before a two-week residency at the Garrick, from 7-22 November.

Private Peaceful tells of Private Thomas 'Tommo' Peaceful, a young soldier fighting in World War One. Awaiting the firing squad in the morning, Peaceful poignantly reflects back on his life, from days in the school playground to the injustices of war.

Emily Costello plays the titular character, who is also the first female performer to play the role. James Demaine joins Costello as Charlie and other roles, with the production staged in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

Private Peaceful will run for two weeks in the West End, including a performance at 11:01am on 11 November — Remembrance Day. A Remembrance Day gala will also be held to raise money for the Royal British Legion and Farms for City Children.

The upcoming production marks Morpurgo's second story to be adapted for the West End, following the Olivier Award-winning production War Horse which ran at the Gillian Lynne Theatre for over eight years.

Private Peaceful is at the Garrick Theatre from 7-22 November.

^{Photo credit: Emily Costello and James Demaine (Photo by Eve Dunlop)}