Shows extend: Matilda and War Horse

War Horse has extended its run at the New London theatre to 27 October 2014.

The show, which opened at the National Theatre in October 2007 and is based on Michael Morpurgo's classic children's book, centres around a young boy Albert and his horse Joey who are sent to fight in World War I.

This autumn at the New London Theatre, War Horse will continue its behind-the-scenes programme. On 26 October, there will be an on-stage puppetry demonstration, Inside the Horse, featuring Joey, the life-size horse puppet.

On 6 November, award-winning co-director Marianne Elliott will discuss the show’s journey from the rehearsal room to global phenomenon and on 10 November, Michael Morpurgo joins designer Rae Smith and actor Virginia McKenna in a specially devised evening of art and song called "Anthems for Peace".

WhatsOnStage award-winning Matilda the Musical, has extended booking at the Cambridge theatre until December 2014, releasing 300,000 new tickets for sale.

The RSC musical, with songs penned by Tim Minchin, originally opened in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010 and tells the story of a young girl with an affection for learning and friendship while her parents and headmistress, the terrifying Trunchbull, try to delay her path as she tries to find her own true destiny.

Alex Gaumond is currently playing Miss Trunchbull along with James Clyde and Kay Murphy as Mr and Mrs Wormwood and Haley Flaherty as Miss Honey. Sharing the role of Matilda currently are Elise Blake, Cristina Fray, Lollie McKenzie and Georgia Pemberton.

Matilda the Musical has been showered with a number of awards since opening, and is currently also playing on Broadway.

– Beau McGregor