Emily Aston chats about War Horse on Tour

What's the best thing about being in War Horse?

I always find this question hard! There are so many things – it’s hard to pick just one. One of the best things about being in War Horse is working with the company and the crew. We really are like one big family and to be part of one of the National Theatre’s biggest ever shows is just such a privilege. I feel so, so lucky! It also feels very special because of the World War One Centenary. It’s so lovely to see lots of young people in the audience, particularly since some have never been to the theatre before.

This is a massive show, was it daunting when you first got the part?

Yes, very! When I first started, I couldn't quite believe I had got the part. In rehearsals I was still waiting for someone to come and say "thanks Emily, you've been great but we now have the real Paulette coming in tomorrow so you can go now"! Also, you wouldn’t believe the amount of people involved in a production like this.

War Horse is the biggest selling in Lowry history, why do you think this is?

I think it’s because it is the first UK tour of this show and so many people have wanted to see it. It’s so great to be able to bring such a big show to places like Manchester, Edinburgh, Sunderland. The film adaptation also helps… not to mention the horses on stage and how they are puppeteered – it’s so unique!

Tell us a little bit about your character?

I play Paulette, who comes into the show in the second half of the show. She is a strong French mother who owns a farm which gets taken over by the German inventory and is used as a clearing station.

How tough was it mastering a French accent?

Well, I think quite a lot of people were intrigued about how I was going to do a French accent, as I have a strong northern accent! We have a voice coach called Jackie who is amazing. Other than that just a lot of hard work and listening to lots of things on the internet. Although, it does always worry me that if anything was to go a little wrong on stage, I would have to improvise and use words I haven’t practiced in French. It may just come out broad northern!

Joey feels so real to the audience, do you ever pat him and forget he's powered by people?

When you’re on stage you totally forget. There are 3 puppeteers working the horse and we, as the actors, are the 4th puppeteer. So yes, to me it is a real horse – even when they’re backstage and no one is inside it. I always say ‘Hiya Joey’ or ‘Hiya Topthorn’ and you can't forget Lucy the Goose!

For anyone who hasn’t yet War Horse, why should they come along?

Because as a production it is incredible. You wouldn’t believe how these horses are brought to life. This show appeals to everyone and is such an amazing story. Also, we’re are only here for another week and a half. You have to see it!

War Horse continues at the Lowry until 20 September and the Regent Theatre (Stoke on Tent) from 24 September – 11 October.