War Horse

Synopsis

Based on the celebrated novel by Michael Morpurgo, War Horse is a thrilling and spectacular adaptation by Nick Stafford of the much loved children’s book.

The First World War is the backdrop for this tale of bravery, loyalty and the extraordinary bond between a young recruit and his horse. Young Albert's beloved horse, Joey, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France at the outbreak of World War One. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to the trenches to find him and bring him home.

Travelling to France, he is soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man's land. But Albert cannot forget warhorse Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to the trenches to find him and bring him home.

Originally, Michael Morpurgo thought 'they must be mad' to try to make a play from his best-selling 1982 novel but this has been achieved by actors working with astonishing life-sized puppets by the internationally renowned Handspring Puppet Company.

Directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, War Horse first opened in October 2007 at the National Theatre playing for five months and then returned for a further run in 2008. The War Horse London theatre is the New London Theatre where it transferred in March 2009 and is still playing.

The production was met with critical acclaim winning an Olivier Award, Evening Standard Theatre Award and London Critics' Circle Theatre Award. The play is the most successful in the National Theatre's history.

In March 2011 it began an acclaimed run at the Lincoln Centre, New York, going on to win 5 Tony Awards;  Best Play, Best Direction of a Play, Best Scenic Design of a Play, Best Lighting Design of a Play, Best Sound Design of a Play .

Having just extended its booking period until 15 February 2014, book tickets now and enjoy an unforgettable journey through history.

Our Review:

6 April 2009

The surprise and delightful shock of the great sculptured horses in Nick Stafford’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s story may have diminished for audiences since the production opened at the National Theatre 18 months ago, but the experience is no less moving or engaging.

And the New London is an ideal home for the show, especially for Rae Smith’s open expanse of a design – backed off with her wonderful sketchy drawings, landscapes and silhouettes - that accommodates the horses, soldiers and farm workers of the story, not to mention the skittering goose that darts across the stage with its puppeteer in tow.

The Handspring Puppet Company of Cape Town that has devised the show with NT directors Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris has, I think, received due recognition for its outstanding work, but the magic remains, especially in the figures of Joey the hunter colt who grows into the carthorse in the killing fields in France, and the magnificent black stallion Topthorn.

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Latest User Review

Jodie - 30 October 2012:

This was absoloutley amazing! I saw the show on Saturday 27th and was in tears! The actors are amazing, especially Luke Jerdy (Albert Narracot). The horses were amazing and you soon forget about the puppeteers. Also was spectacular that the actors came from all directions. They came from the seats onto the stage which kept the audience engaged. Also it was amazing how the actors ran through the seating area through the audience! Definitely recommend this production to anybody!!!...

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