A tragically beautiful tale of love, loss and never giving up
War Horse has returned to the Liverpool Empire Theatre, and it’s every bit as moving and powerful as ever. Not to mention visually enchanting. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s much-loved novel, this production tells the emotional story of a young boy, Albert, and his deep bond with his horse, Joey, during the outbreak of World War I.
From the moment the curtain rises and the music starts, its clear War Horse is something special. The star of the show is the incredible puppetry by the Handspring Puppet Company. The life-sized horse puppets, especially Joey and another horse named Topthorn, are astonishing. Then you have the other horses that are used to bring the horrors of war to life. The puppets are brought to life by a team of puppeteers who control every subtle twitch, breath, and gallop, creating a precision that is unmatched and make the animals feel alive. Their movement and expressions are so lifelike, it’s hard not to be emotionally drawn in.
Tom Sturgess, who plays Albert, gives a touching performance. From the start, he perfectly captures Albert’s determination, hope, and heartbreak as he tries to reunite with Joey after the horse is sold to the army and sent to the front lines of the war. Sturgess beautifully captures the innocence, determination and bravery of a young man who refuses to give up on his best friend. The chemistry between Albert and Joey forms the emotional heart of the show that is inspiring and heartfelt, and keeps the audience invested from start to finish.
The stage design is simple but clever. Using lighting, sound, and creative props, Rae Smith’s creative designs allow the production to move effortlessly from the peaceful fields of Devon to the terrifying chaos and dangers of the trenches. War scenes are handled with care—there’s no sugar-coating, but it never feels overdone or too graphic. It strikes a balance that respects the audience’s emotions while staying true to the story’s seriousness. They are powerful but also sensitive to the story. The video technology used in the backdrop creates a subtle, yet effective graphic of what is happening that helps to heighten the emotional stakes.
Live folk music is another beautiful part of the show that adds lots of emotion and weight to the scenes. Performed by the company and featuring Sally Swanson as ‘the singer’ the songs are authentic to the time period and add a powerful emotional layer that reflects the underlying emotional highs and lows of the show. They’re sad, stirring, and sometimes haunting—perfectly capturing the mood of the scenes they accompany whilst also bringing a touch of humanity.
What makes War Horse stand out is how well it blends a deeply personal story with a broader message. At its core, it’s about the connection between a boy and his horse, but it also offers a powerful reflection on the horrors of war, the cost of innocence lost, and the resilience of love and hope in the face of unimaginable odds.
This production is not only visually impressive but emotionally rich. Whether you’re familiar with the book, the film, or coming to the story for the first time, War Horse is an unforgettable experience. It’s a rare show that can move audiences of all ages, and at the Liverpool Empire, it’s clear from the standing ovation that this version does exactly that.
Overall, War Horse at the Liverpool Empire is a stunning piece of theatre. With jaw-dropping puppetry, heartfelt performances, and powerful storytelling, it’s a show that stays with you long after the curtain falls.