PUPILS at Warminster School are busy rehearsing for the lower school’s forthcoming production of Private Peaceful.

The school’s sports hall is set to become an epic installation of the front line and the drama department has been busy sourcing authentic props and costumes.

The school is also working with Taff Gillingham, who formed a group called Khaki Devils in 2001, which aims to improve historical accuracy in military uniforms, equipment, weapons and props for film, television and theatre productions.

Emily Harris, head of drama, said: "We have taken delivery of our set, which will offer a simple way of getting 42 scenes on and off stage.

“Some years ago, I went to see Damien Cruden’s production of The Railway Children when it was first put on in London’s Waterloo Station.

“I was inspired by the moving platforms and how seamlessly they moved the action in and out. When thinking about Private Peaceful, I remembered this, and thought that staging this play in traverse would make sense of Tommo’s many different memories."

Private Peaceful tells the heart-wrenching story of Tommo, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn.

During the night, he relives his short but vivid past: his terrifying first day at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; late-night poaching with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that have brought him to the front line.

Tickets are available to book through ticketsource.co.uk and there is a matinee for schools, which is also open to the public, on Wednesday, June 21 at 1pm.

Evening performances will start at 7pm on Thursday, June 22, Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24.