“The play eloquently explores truth, friendship, love and violence in the midst of the first World War”
War Horse originated as a novel by Michael Morpurgo then premiered in 2007 as a stage play by the National Theatre. Ever since, the play has been adapted and performed by various creatives until its 2024-25 UK and Ireland Tour directed by Tom Morris with revival director Katie Henry. The play was associated with the award-winning Handspring Puppet Company who managed the large-scale puppetry that took place during the show. The play eloquently explores truth, friendship, love and violence in the midst of the first World War.
The play tells the story of Joey, a foal, who gets sold at an auction to a family with a young son called Albert who befriends Joey and they grow up together. Joey gets sent to France to fight against Germany in the war. Albert, aged only 16, makes the choice to enlist in the army to find and bring Joey home safe. It is a tale of true bravery and deep love and affection.
The show had an incredible breadth of talent stretching from actor-musicians, puppeteers, singers and had a very diverse cast of performers. The set was minimal and catered towards the interpretation of the story being focussed on the horses and Joey. Sally Swanson playing ‘The Singer’ beautifully narrated the play through folk music supported by Dom Coyote as Musical Director for the show. The acting was thought-provoking and deeply moving. Tom Sturgess who played Albert Narracott, created such a believable connection with the puppet of Joey which was really impressive and necessary for the play’s success. The ensemble scenes were grounded and strong with many people onstage at once which was really effective. The larger scenes were coupled with ensemble numbers with powerful harmonies and slick vocal choices as a full company.
The show is critically acclaimed and a performance by the National Theatre. This was evident by the high standard of performance and its seamless yet complex scene changes with large members of the cast onstage. War Horse was gritty and vivid in a really sensitive way directed by Tom Morris and Katie Henry. The acting choices were strong and drove the story forward with absolute sincerity and preciseness. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and it truly lived up to its acclaim and the high standard set at previous shows.