War Horse returns to the National Theatre – first look at rehearsals

Rehearsal images have been released for the National Theatre’s production of War Horse, which returns to the Olivier stage this summer from 16 May to 30 July 2026.

Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford and originally directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, the production returns to its original home nearly two decades after its debut, following a recent tour of the UK and Ireland. The show has become the most successful play in the National Theatre’s history, winning more than 25 major awards including the Tony Award for Best Play, and has been seen by over 8.8 million people worldwide.

The story follows Albert and his horse Joey against the backdrop of the First World War, charting a journey from rural Devon to the trenches of France. It is staged using life-sized puppets created by Handspring Puppet Company, with music by Adrian Sutton and songs by John Tams.

The cast includes Tom Sturgess as Albert Narracott, with Jo Castleton as Rose Narracott and Stephen Beckett as Ted Narracott. The company also features Anita Adam Gabay, Rianna Ash, Eloise Beaumont-Wood, Ike Bennett, Owen Dagnall, Alexandra Donnachie, Felicity Donnelly, Sam Goodchild, Danny Hendrix, Jasmin Hinds, Linford Johnson, Andrew Keay, Nicholas Khan, Manuel Klein, Michael Larcombe, Matthew Lawrence, Madeleine Leslay, Wade Lewin, Jack Lord, Damian Lynch, Lewis McBean, Chris Milford, Corey Montague-Sholay, Jordan Paris, Anne-Marie Piazza, Daniel Rock, Simon Stanhope, Sally Swanson, Lucy Thorburn, Chris Williams, Niko Wirachman and Rafe Young.

This revival is created by Tom Morris, with Katie Henry as revival director. The creative team includes Rae Smith as designer, Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company as puppet designer, Rob Casey as lighting designer, Toby Sedgwick as director of movement and horse choreography, Matthew Forbes as puppetry director and 59 Studio as projection designers. Sound design is by Christopher Shutt, with music direction by Dom Coyote and casting by Jill Green.

The production begins previews on 16 May 2026, with an opening night on 2 June, and is recommended for ages ten and above.