Rising star makes professional debut in Private Peaceful on Leicester stage

Rising star Benjamin Cain, a recent graduate from the BA Professional Acting course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, will make his professional debut as Tommo Peaceful. Adapted and directed from Michael Morpurgo's novel by Simon Reade, the production sees a single actor conjure an entire world of characters, landscapes, and emotions.

The story is told from the perspective Tommo Peaceful, a young man from a rural village in Devon who fights in the First World War. At once heartwarming and heartbreaking, Private Peaceful is both a moving family drama and a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.

Benjamin Cain said: “I am incredibly excited and grateful to be doing this play and to be working with so many brilliant themes. Simon has created such a relaxed atmosphere since the first audition and is so passionate, it will be a privilege to work with him.”

Simon Reade said: “Earlier this summer at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School I saw a young actor in his graduating show: Benjamin Cain. He was witty, truthful, strong yet vulnerable. I knew at once here was our new Peaceful.

"Ben was raised in a Dorset village. For him, this really is a story close to home. What an opportunity, for me as much as Ben, to revive Michael's contemporary classic of love and loss – this theatrical celebration of life."

The award-winning Private Peaceful was published in 2003. It was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and won the Red House Children’s Book Award and the Blue Peter Book Award. Acknowledged by Michael Morpurgo – whose other works include War Horse and The Butterfly Lion – as his favourite work, this retelling explores the lengths a young soldier will go to in order to fight for what is right.

Private Peaceful is suitable for ages nine and above. It runs at the Curve from Thursday November 17 to Saturday November 19. Visit www.curveonline.co.uk or call 0116 242 3595 to book or for more information.