JAMES CAMPBELL’S COMEDY4KIDS

Tangential tales

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MARTHA

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THE MOLE WHO KNEW IT WAS NONE OF HIS BUSINESS

The kids' show that's full of poo 0.00

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DIB AND DOB AND THE JOURNEY HOME

Carry on camping

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DOGMAN

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MOVIN’ MELVIN BROWN Toe-tappin' fun

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PRIVATE PEACEFUL A soldier's tale 0””

Tommo waits in his prison cell, counting down the hours to his dawn execution, running through memories of his short life. From the playground and the parade ground to witnessing his father‘s death, and his ultimate fate on the killing fields of World War I, there is one constant source of comfort and love. His elder brother Charlie acts as role model and father figure, friend, rescuer and rival. Actor Paul Chequer commands the stage utterly: even the youngest members of his audience are captivated, both by the power and clarity of the narrative, and also the sheer emotional force of the delivery.

Chequer‘s performance identifies and plays upon the childish innocence at the heart of Tommo's character. As the memories become darker and more complex, we are drawn into his fear and confusion. Although haunted by the guilt he feels for his father‘s death, and confused by his love for childhood friend turned sister-in-law, Molly, Tommo is unwavering in his admiration for Charlie. Together on the battlefields of France, Charlie becomes a big brother to the whole platoon; a hero for rescuing colleagues under fire. In the final scenes, as we discover how Tommo came to face the firing squad, Chequer adopts a poignant dignity, which makes his fate all the more unbearable.

The inextricably linked themes of sibling rivalry and brotherly love echo through Tommo’s story like a ricochet across no man‘s land. Bristol Old Vic has created a remarkable adaptation of Michael Murpurgo's tale, and Chequer is simply outstanding, giving a performance of depth and power.

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