War Horse to return to the National Theatre

War Horse will return to the National Theatre later this spring.

Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel, the play is adapted by Nick Stafford and was originally directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris. Since its debut in 2007, War Horse has become the most commercially successful production in the National Theatre’s history, winning more than 25 major awards, including the Tony Award for Best Play, and playing to audiences of over 8.8 million worldwide.

The show will run on the venue’s Olivier stage from 16 May to 30 July 2026, with an opening night set for 2 June. The production comes back to its original home almost 20 years after its premiere, following a tour of the UK and Ireland.

The story is set at the outbreak of the First World War and follows a young boy, Albert, whose horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent to France. Unable to enlist, Albert sets out on a journey from rural Devon to the battlefields of Europe in an attempt to find and bring Joey home.

The revival is created by director Tom Morris, with revival direction by Katie Henry. The creative team includes set and costume designer Rae Smith, puppet designer Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company, lighting designer Rob Casey, movement and horse choreography director Toby Sedgwick, puppetry director Matthew Forbes, and animation and projection designers Nicol Scott and Ben Pearcy for 59. Music is by Adrian Sutton with songs by John Tams, sound design by Christopher Shutt, and music direction by Dom Coyote. Casting is by Jill Green, with cast details to be announced.

See the rest of the 2026 season.