A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

In the Mouth of the Wolf

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  1w, 2m

As the Second World War looms before them, two brothers clash. Francis is a dedicated pacifist, committed to peace and determined not to go backwards to a violent world. Pieter believes that peace can only be achieved by signing up to fight. The next event will change Francis’ life forever.

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    105 Minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptation (Literature), Period
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior, Pre-Teen (Age 11-13), Teen (Age 14-18)

Details

Summary

World War II brought about an avalanche of tragedy, heartbreak and division, but what happens when that division is within your own family? Brothers Francis and Pieter are in disagreement. Living in turbulent times as one bloody war has ended and another stirs in the near future, they both feel the tension rising.

In the Mouth of the Wolf is based on the heart-wrenching true story of Sir Michael Morpurgo’s uncles, stunningly adapted by Simon Reade with sensitivity and theatrical flair.

History
In the Mouth of the Wolf was first performed at The Barn Theatre, Cirencester on 28 March 2025.
Cast Attributes
In the Mouth of the Wolf can be performed by up to thirty actors – or by as few as three:

FRANCIS CAMMAERTS – Codename ‘Roger’, a.k.a. ‘Big Feet’/‘Grands Pieds’
NAN – Francis’s wife, Nancy Cammaerts
PIETER CAMMAERTS – Francis’s brother, actor then RAF navigator

Between them, the Nan and Pieter actors can also play:

EAMONN ANDREWS – The Irish television presenter and personality
KIPPE – Pieter’s and Francis’s sister (and mother of Michael Morpurgo) 
EMILE CAMMAERTS – Francis’s and Pieter’s Belgian father, professor, poet
ALAN WHITEHORN – Schoolmaster
LEWIS – A schoolboy
HARRY RÉE – Francis’s friend and mentor
INTELLIGENCE OFFICER
HEADMASTER
TRIBUNAL CHAIR
TRADE UNIONIST
FARMHAND – A conscientious objector
MR. POTTER – Codename for Major Selwyn Jepson, Military Intelligence Officer (and writer of thrillers)
SERGEANT – SOE training
INSTRUCTOR – SOE training
PILOT
AUGUSTE FLOIRAS – Codename ‘Albert’, a.k.a. ‘Le Pianiste’, radio operator
GERMAN SOLDIER
SS OFFICER
CHRISTINE GRANVILLE – The alias of SOE agent codename ‘Pauline’, the Polish Countess (by marriage) Krystyna Skarbeck
MILICE – An unrepentant collaborator
MONSIEUR DUMAS – Farmer
PAUL HÉRAUD – Codename ‘Dumont’, freedom fighter extraordinaire
CLAUDE RENOIR – Grandson of the painter, nephew of the filmmaker
ANOTHER GERMAN SOLDIER
ANOTHER MILICE 
SCHENK – A Gestapo prison officer
GENERAL BUTLER – United States Army
MADAME FLOIRAS – Auguste’s wife
JURY FOREMAN
MICHAEL MORPURGO
  • Time Period 1940s/WWII
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 105 Minutes

Media

“Thought-provoking adaptation.” – The Stage

“Simon Reade’s script is very well written, with moments of warmth and an equal balance of climax and tension.” – Everything Theatre

“Extraordinary characters who should not be forgotten.” – Fairy Powered Productions

“Powerful and moving.. grips you to the very end.” – Short Theatre Reviews

“A poignant tale, beautifully told.” – Stage Talk Magazine

“An unforgettable inspiring theatrical production.” – Wilts & Glos Standard

Videos

  • In the Mouth of the Wolf – Barn Theatre Trailer youtube thumbnail

    In the Mouth of the Wolf – Barn Theatre Trailer

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.


    This title is not currently available for performance. To be informed as soon as it becomes available in the future, please submit a license application.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Authors

Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo began writing stories in the early ’70s, in response to the children in his class at the primary school where he taught in Kent. One of the UK’s best-loved authors and storytellers, Michael was appointed Children’s Laureate in 2003. He has written ...

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Simon Reade

Simon Reade has adapted Private Peaceful as an internationally touring award-winning one-man show, for schools and youth theatres, for BBC Radio 4, and as a feature film starring George Mackay and Jack O’Connell. His other Morpurgo adaptations include An Elephant in the Garde ...
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