Paul Chequer and Mark Quartley will share the title role in the Theatre Royal Haymarket’s forthcoming run of Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful.
Directed and adapted for the stage by Simon Reade, the First World War drama will play a strictly limited run in the West End from 18 to 29 September.
War Horse author Morpurgo’s one-man stage show relives the story of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school, the accident in the forest that killed his father, his adventures with Molly, the love of his life, and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line.
Chequer is no stranger to the role having previously played the character on stage at the Bristol Old Vic and in the feature film set for release later this year. The actor’s other stage credits include War Horse, England People Very Nice and Tales From Vienna Woods at the National Theatre.
Quartley has also previously appeared in the production, playing the role on a nationwide tour. Last seen on the London stage in Written On The Heart, Quartley’s other appearances include A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare’s Globe and Measure For Measure for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Current Theatre Royal Haymarket production One Man, Two Guvnors will take a scheduled break while Private Peaceful plays at the venue before returning on 1 October.