Your First Look
Promotional footage for a previous production of Private Jones presented at Signature Theatre 6 February – 10 March 2024
Bronwyn James and James Spence performing at West End Live, 2026. Videography: OfficialLondonTheatre.
“This is what adventure sounds like”
Deep in the Welsh countryside, Gomer Jones is stuck fox catching on his family farm, longing for a life beyond the fields. But when he loses his hearing, the world around him grows even more distant.
Then the opportunity to enlist in World War I arrives.
Propelled by the promise of adventure, he fakes a hearing test and is launched onto the frontline. There, among a company of unruly misfits, the unlikely recruit becomes an unexpected hero, only to find that the prize he’s been chasing may not be the one that matters after all.
With grit, heart, and a sweeping original score, Private Jones is a thrillingly theatrical new musical about the journeys that transform us and the friendships that remind us we’re not meant to go it alone.
Inspired by the real story of Gomer Jones, and featuring a 12-strong ensemble of hearing, hard-of-hearing and deaf performers, this is an extraordinary story of hope, courage and finding your place in the world.
From the Tony Award-winning producing team, Hugo Six, (‘Water for Elephants’, ‘Maybe Happy Ending’, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’) and written and directed by Marshall Pailet (‘Marcel and the Train’, ‘Who’s Your Baghdaddy’).
Starring BAFTA Award winning Rose Ayling-Ellis (‘Code of Silence’, ITVX; ‘As You Like It’, Soho Place) as The Storyteller, Bronwyn James (‘Hangmen’ and ‘Wicked’ movies) as King, Jacob Young (‘Wicked’, ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Heathers’) as Trystan, and 2026 Stage Debut-winner, James Spence (Mischief’s ‘Thespians’) as Gomer.
Winner – Four Helen Hayes Awards including Outstanding New Musical
This production weaves together integrated British Sign Language (BSL), live creative captioning, a Foley soundscape, and a sweeping original score, featuring a cast of hearing, hard-of-hearing, and deaf performers.
What is a Foley soundscape?
Foley sounds are custom sound effects recreated using everyday objects. E.g. A ruffling of umbrellas to represent the sound of bird’s wings.
Access Performances
All performances of Private Jones feature integrated BSL and live creative captioning.
BSL Interpreted performance: Tuesday 5 January, 7pm
Private Jones was originally conceived, developed and produced at GOODSPEED MUSICALS (Donna Lynn Hilton, Artistic Director; David B. Byrd, Managing Director).
World Premiere Produced at Signature Theatre, Arlington, Virginia, February 2024 (Matthew Gardiner, Artistic Director; Maggie Boland, Managing Director).
Details
Theatre: Main Space
Monday – Saturday: 7pm
Thursday & Saturday: 2.30pm
Estimated Running Time: 2 hour 30 minutes (including interval)
No re-entry.
We strongly advise that you arrive early and take your seats in advance of the start time as there is a no latecomers policy.
Please be aware that this is a live event so the end time may vary slightly.
Technical Guidance
This production contains loud noises.
Content Guidance
This production contains strong language, violence, and depictions of death, including animal death. Also featured are depictions of ableism, including ableist language, depictions of sexism, and references to pornographic content and substance abuse.
Recommended for ages 14+.
All performances of Private Jones feature integrated BSL and live creative captioning.
BSL Interpreted performance: Tuesday 5 January, 7pm
The Company
Rose Ayling-Ellis
The Storyteller
Joseph Elnaugh
Cover Gomer, Alwyn, Bailey and Pit Singer
Ffion Haf
Gwenolyn and Others
Nadeem Islam
Henry and Others
Bronwyn James
King and Others
George Karanja
Cover Henry and Storyteller
Luke McCall
Father and Others
Lili Mohammad
Ensemble
Thea Munoz-Buirski
Ensemble
Elis Myers-Sleight
Bailey and Others
Kiran Patel
Ensemble
Katie Louise Pritchard
Cover Ensemble and Pit Singer
James Spence
Gomer Jones
Jacob Ethan Tanner
Alwyn and Others
