The new musical Private Jones has announced its initial cast for a London run this Christmas, featuring Rose Ayling-Ellis among others. The show offers a fresh perspective on the First World War, portraying the story of a deaf Welsh soldier.

Private Jones, a new musical exploring World War One through the eyes of Gomer Jones, a deaf Welsh sniper, is set to open at Southwark Playhouse Elephant on 14 December 2026. It will run until 30 January 2027, with a national press night scheduled for 17 December.

The production, which integrates sign language, live captioning, a Foley soundscape, and an original score, announced three cast members at West End Live. Rose Ayling-Ellis will perform as The Storyteller, James Spence will take the role of Gomer Jones, and Bronwyn James will play King.

Private Jones is committed to inclusivity, featuring a cast comprising hearing, hard-of-hearing, and Deaf performers. The creative team behind the show includes writer and director Marshall Pailet, music director Máth Roberts, and choreographer Misha Shields.

The show’s technical design involves sound designer Yvonne Gilbert, video designer Ben Glover, and lighting designer Tim Deiling. Associate director Alice Eklund, casting director Rob Kelly, and production manager Sam Kelly complete the creative lineup.

Produced by Hugo Six in association with Thomas Hopkins Productions, the musical aims to bring a unique auditory and visual experience to audiences, blending theatre with accessible communication methods.

Further casting announcements for Private Jones are expected, with the initial reveal signalling a significant step towards staging an innovative retelling of wartime history through diverse voices and technologies.