Writer/Director: Alex King
Over the past five years, Old Fruit Jar Productions has firmly established itself as a theatre company worth watching. Known for championing emerging talent across the region, they’ve consistently delivered some of the most compelling work on the Merseyside fringe scene. Their latest offering, The Execution of Private Slovik, adds another impressive title to their growing repertoire.
Presented for one night only as part of the Wirral Theatre Festival, this marks the company’s first original production. Written and directed by resident director Alex King, the play draws on the true story of US Private Eddie Slovik – the only American soldier executed for cowardice since the Civil War. King uses this historical account to probe the boundaries of morality and authority. Whether the timing of this production is coincidental or a deliberate reflection on current global tensions and political unrest is left open to interpretation, though one might reasonably suspect the latter.
The story centres on Captain Woods, played with remarkable intensity by Josh Ennis, who attempts to save Slovik’s life by persuading his fellow officers that the punishment is unjust. What follows is a gripping battle of ethics and influence, with the actors navigating a dense and emotionally charged script. The audience is drawn into the weight of the decisions facing these men, each scene steeped in urgency and moral complexity.
King’s writing is rich and layered, and the cast delivers it with impressive fluidity. There are moments, however, where the text could benefit from more space to breathe. Allowing silence to speak might deepen the emotional resonance, especially given the gravity of the subject matter.
The ensemble is uniformly strong. Ennis stands out with a commanding performance, while Joseph Winder brings a thoughtful balance of authority and empathy to Colonel Sommer. James Dorman, as Father Cummings, introduces subtle ambiguity that could be explored further in future iterations. Luke Seddon lends gravitas to General Cota, though a touch more restraint might allow for greater nuance in the character’s emotional range.
Lew Freeburn offers solid support as Captain Green, though the role feels slightly underdeveloped in terms of its contribution to the central conflict. Jordan Barkley faces one of the most emotionally demanding roles as Private William, the man tasked with carrying out Slovik’s execution. Barkley captures the horror and internal struggle well, but the character’s limited stage time makes it difficult to fully grasp the depth of his turmoil. A closer look at his internal conflict could add further weight to the narrative.
As a debut original work, The Execution of Private Slovik is a powerful achievement. It’s a story told with care, conviction, and a level of detail that’s often missing in fringe theatre. With a few refinements, this production has the potential to stand alongside modern classics like Private Peaceful – a piece that challenges its audience to engage, reflect, and feel.
Reviewed on 16 August 2025
The Reviews Hub Star Rating
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8
