http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=
"They've gone now, and I'm alone at last. I have the whole night ahead of me, and I won't waste a single moment of it. I shan't sleep it away. I won't dream it away either. I mustn't, because every moment of it will be far too precious."
Master-storyteller and best selling author, Michael Morpurgo joins the outstanding English acappella trio, Coope Boyes & Simpson for a rare performance of Private Peaceful: The Concert. Based on the his award-winning book, Private Peaceful combines Michael Morpurgo’s evocative readings with songs written and arranged by Coope Boyes & Simpson. The trio’s songs match and intensify Morpurgo’s inspired narration as the story of Tommo Peaceful moves between humour and tragedy - from childhood in a Devon village to the trenches of the Western Front in the First War.
An innovative and atmospheric production that offers a unique and timely reminder of the human cost of the war to end all wars, Private Peaceful: The Concert sold out the Lyttelton Theatre at the National Theatre in 2008 and in this new, extended adaptation sold out the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre in 2009.
"The words and the songs coexist perfectly, providing a truly engrossing essay on one of history’s darkest episodes.... The trio’s songs strikingly capture the camaraderie and cynicism of ordinary men at war” Colin Randall, The Daily Telegraph
“There’s a degree of cynicism in their songs that add to the bitter-sweet nature of the book.” Mariella Frostrup, The Book Programme, BBC Radio 4
“an inspired collaboration: Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo, a passionate reader of his own work, with an a cappella trio, Barry Coope, Jim Boyes and Lester Simpson. The material gels flawlessly….” Susan Mansfield, The Scotsman
“Inspiring, Intense, tangibly powerful atmosphere. Incredibly moving” Ilkley Literature Festival
“Private Peaceful is compelling listening, not easy for all our familiarity with the songs and stories of the Great War. Although nominally a book for children its prose doesn't patronise nor does it pull any punches” Dai Jeffries, Amazon
“The combination of Morpurgo’s passionate story telling with music that was both powerful and poignant produced a memorable performance that was enjoyed by a full house of adults and children alike” The Morning Star
“This was an early evening show featuring the English writer Morpurgo reading from his latest book about two brothers going off to fight in WWI, interspersed with the amazing accapella vocal stylings of Barry Coope, Jim Boyes, and Lester Simpson. You want to talk about chilling? The prose was powerful enough, but when Coope, Boyes and Simpson chimed in with their stellar harmonies and powerful songcraft, there was hardly a dry eye in the house. These folks are probably the best accapella singers in Britain right now, and just amaze with their tight harmonies and phrasing. A great and moving show.” Tayberry Music
Michael Morpurgo, Coope Boyes & Simpson
“Private Peaceful: The Concert” (No Masters NMCD23)
Live album recorded at Ilkley Literature Festival