PRIVATE Peaceful, children’s laureate Michael Morpurgo’s drama about a young First World War soldier, takes to the stage at theatre Royal Winchester next week.

The book has been adapted and brought to life by Scamp Theatre (Farm Boy, War Horse). It tells the story of Private Tommo Peaceful who awaits the firing squad at dawn and during the night, he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his first exciting days at school; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the injustices of war that brought him to the front line.

See it on Wednesday and Thursday.

H THE Berry Theatre, in association with The Point Youth Theatre, present their new take on the classic tale of starcrossed lovers, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

In the midst of a vicious war, against all their family’s hopes, and in a cloud of secrecy, a young couple risk everything to be together and let true love prevail… Without compromising Shakespeare’s original text, the tragic story of star-crossed lovers will be brought vividly to life as the city of Verona unfolds in vivid colour – bursting with visually dynamic action, stunning modern set pieces and contemporary live music.

Romeo and Juliet runs from Wednesday to Saturday.

H Frankly, Ollie can’t see the point of his Great Gran; and now it’s even worse. She fell and hurt her hip and had to come to stay. Ollie has had to give up his room.

And what can she do? She can’t run, jump, skate. She can hardly stand. However she can do something he can’t. She can swim. In fact, she can do it rather well. There was a time she did it at the Olympic Games in London. No! Not those Olympic Games. The other ones in 1948... when the athletes had to bring their own towels!

See Great Gran’s Great Games, suitable for children aged four plus, at The Nuffield tomorrow at midday.