Peaceful dog walks helped Paul Chequer learn his lines

Actor Paul Chequer must receive some funny looks while he walks his dog.

Because the former As If star uses that time to learn his lines for Private Peaceful, the stage adaptation of War Horse author Michael

Morpurgo’s story about a young soldier fighting in the First World War.

Paul, who’s also appeared in Sherlock, Whitechapel and Silent Witness, explained: “I went on lots of dog walks with the script in my hand.

“There was so much to cram in, as it’s 80 minutes of theatre and I play 42 characters.

“One-man plays don’t come along too often. This was my first and it was quite daunting to begin with.”

In fact, Paul wasn’t sure if he should accept the part.

“When I first read it I really didn’t know how it would go. There was lots of narrative and talking to the audience and I had my doubts about whether I wanted to do it. But once I started rehearsals I realised how great it was.”

Private Peaceful is the story of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young soldier who looks back on his life growing up in rural Devon while awaiting the firing squad at dawn.

Morpurgo was inspired to write the story after a visit to Ypres, a journey Paul also made while researching the role. He describes it as breathtaking.

He continued: “It’s now a story I’m really familiar with and love to bits. I’ve been involved with it for 10 years now, which is a real honour. It started in Bristol in 2004 and then we took it to Edinburgh.

“When I had to re-learn it in 2010 for the West End, I was surprised how much of it was still in my head. It’s great to be doing something where I feel I’m honouring people’s memories.”

Private Peaceful is at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow, from June 25 to 28.