In pictures: Michael Morpurgo makes a cameo in War Horse

As part of a series of performances to mark the show's final night in London in March 2016, War Horse author Michael Morpurgo made a cameo as a villager in the West End production of his play last week.

The writer wore a costume made up of garments from several of the different productions of War Horse. "I have boots from the New York show, scarf and hat from the Canada production, jacket, waistcoat and trousers from London," Morpurgo said. It was the first time he has appeared in the London production with this cast.

Morpurgo, who was a special guest at the New London Theatre on 10 December, followed his performance with a post-show Q and A about the journey of the story from page to stage, and stage to screen.

War Horse opened at the National in 2007 where it played for two seasons before opening at the New London Theatre in March 2009. Directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, Nick Stafford's adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's story about a boy and his horse set against the backdrop of the First World War is the most successful play in the National Theatre's history.

When the London run closes, the show, which has won 25 major awards, will have played over 3,000 performances.

The current West End cast includes James Backway, Phillip Bertioli, Ken Bradshaw and Adrian Christopher.

A major UK tour of War Horse will begin in autumn 2017, as the country prepares to mark the final centenary year of the First World War, with details to be announced.