**The Isle of Wight County Press is partnering with Christ the King College in Newport to give young reporters the chance to find out what journalism is all about. We hope you enjoy their stories.

February 3rd marked the showcase of Private Peaceful by Apollo Theatre, directed by Amy Burns and Dan Burns.

This play, adapted by Simon Reade, relives Private Thomas (Tommo) Peaceful’s (played by Harrison Hartup) life, a young First World War soldier soon to meet the firing squad at dawn.

Throughout the night, he reminisces about his cheerful childhood in rural Devon.

From the forest accident that killed his father to his adventures with his first love Molly and the battles that guided him to the front line, it is an emotional and vivid story of being led to injustice. 

From a theatrical perspective, Victoria Sutton (A-Level Drama student at Christ the King College) expressed: “Transitions between the present and the past were effective because they used sounds and projections in the background. The use of levels and choreography was brilliant. The accents and their use were good. The costumes were accurate about the time.”

Originally a novel by Michael Morpurgo aimed at older children, it is likely that many English students have studied it. I certainly did!

It demonstrates discussions regarding adolescent life and economic class pre-WWI.

However, the close brotherly bond between Charlie Peaceful (acted by Tom Howarth Massey) and Tommo Peaceful shines throughout each chapter and act.  

The actors felt pressure portraying these real, raw characters as Lilly Valvona (acting as Molly Peaceful) articulated: “I think with a play such as this, there is pressure to get it perfect as many people will connect with WW1 so they can be impacted by the powerful story and loveable characters." 

Harrison Hartup agreed, stating he “felt this role needed to be taken far more seriously as I had to send the message of how war affects people.”

Private Peaceful certainly gives an accurate insight into coming-of-age during the First World War.

According to BBC News, as many as 250,000 boys under 18 served in the British Army during this time.

Legally, one had to be at least 19 to partake. Whether it was due to patriotism, to flee harsh home conditions or societal pressures, times began to get desperate, and boys as young as 12 signed up to join the armed forces. 

Being a multi-faceted play, military justice (or the lack thereof) is the most prominent theme.

Throughout the Great War, men were commonly subjected to execution by the ‘firing squad,’ a similar fate that protagonist Tommo Peaceful awaits.

According to the ‘The First World War, East Sussex’ website, a total of 346 soldiers were ‘shot by dawn.’ 

Those involved with crafting these showcases used this as a great learning experience. Harrison Hartup stated, “I enjoyed the opportunity to perform to educate and entertain.”