Private Jones, a new musical exploring the First World War through the perspective of a deaf Welsh soldier, will have its European premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant this Christmas. The production’s innovative integration of sign language and live captioning offers a unique theatrical experience.

Private Jones runs from 14 December 2026 to 30 January 2027 at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, portraying the story of Gomer Jones, a deaf Welsh sniper during the First World War. Created by writer and director Marshall Pailet, the musical delves into a coming-of-age narrative balancing grit and irreverence.

Pailet, known for his work on Who’s Your Baghdaddy, developed the show after discovering a brief historical mention of Jones during research on trench warfare stories. “I wanted to tell a war story that felt unique,” he said, focusing on how a soldier experiences war without hearing bullets.

The musical challenges traditional theatrical reliance on sound by utilising sign language, live captioning, and a Foley soundscape performed by a cast made up of deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing actors. This trilingual production features British Sign Language (BSL), Welsh BSL, and the Welsh language, with creative input from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to ensure authenticity.

Central to this effort is artistic sign language director Alexandria Wailes, who sculpts the show’s sign language to integrate it clearly and aesthetically within the staging. Pailet likens her role to that of a choreographer or music director, shaping sign language as part of the performance’s emotional expression.

The production is fully captioned to maintain accessibility and clarity for audiences regardless of their familiarity with BSL, Welsh, or English. Pailet explained the captions are designed to be essential to the storytelling rather than an afterthought, weaving closely with staging, lighting, and movement.

Private Jones premiered in 2021 at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, where it won four Helen Hayes Awards. For its UK premiere, a predominantly British and Welsh creative team has been assembled, reflecting the cultural specifics of the story’s setting.

Music direction is by Máth Roberts, choreography by Misha Shields, with sound design by Yvonne Gilbert and video design by Ben Glover. Lighting is by Tim Deiling, associate direction by Alice Eklund, and the production is led by producer Hugo Six alongside Thomas Hopkins Productions.

As auditions conclude, Pailet emphasises the importance of authenticity in casting performers suited to conveying the show’s complex and human characters. Private Jones embodies a broader theatrical shift towards diverse storytelling methods that challenge audience expectations.