Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
War and Peaceful
As the Ukraine war reminds us, conflict may be closer than we think, so a performance of Michael Morpurgo’s ‘Private Peaceful’ at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham next month offers a timely way to explain unpleasant realities to children in a way they will understand.
Adapted by Simon Reade and directed by Elle While, the production runs from Tue 5 to Sat 9 July. The play follows the titular Peaceful brothers, Thomas (Daniel Rainford - pictured) and Charlie (Daniel Boyd), as they fall in love with the same woman before being sent to fight in World War One. ‘Private Peaceful’ is primarily set in the trenches but we experience a story of courage, devotion and friendship through the memories of Thomas Peaceful.
‘Private Peaceful’ was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, having won both the Red House Children’s Book Award and the Blue Peter Book Award since it was first published in 2003. Michael Morpurgo has even stated that Private Peaceful is his favourite of all his own work. For a moving and illuminating family experience, this is certainly a thought provoking show which will introduce children into the many dilemmas presented by the modern world.
Everyman Theatre: www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/private-peaceful/
