In 1914, nearly one million horses were sent by Britain to the war in Europe, and tragically, most of them never returned. As many valiant horses died as courageous soldiers, a poignant reality that inspired Michael Morpurgo’s novel War Horse, published in 1982.
In the book, the eponymous hero, Joey, narrates his own story. However, the stage adaptation takes a different approach, bringing the horses to life through the extraordinary puppetry of the Handspring Puppet Company. Their innovative and creative techniques allow the puppeteers to manipulate the horses in such a way that you genuinely sense their thoughts and feelings, all without the need for a narrator. Remarkably, this connection is maintained even with the visibility of three puppeteers per horse.
Joey begins his journey as a frisky young colt, barely six months old, suddenly separated from his mother and sold to the Narracott farming family. Despite sometimes being mistreated by the farmer, especially when he’s drunk, Joey is loved by the farmer’s son, Albert (played with great skill by Tom Sturgess). The bond between them grows strong, and Joey thrives, learning to work the fields despite his thoroughbred lineage.
However, war soon comes to Europe, and British men and horses are sent to the frontlines. Albert is heartbroken when he discovers that his beloved Joey has been sold to the army. Though too young to enlist, he vows to join as soon as he can, determined to find Joey and bring him home.
Before entering the chaos of war, Joey is trained as a cavalry mount, a significant shift from his previous life as a workhorse. Under the stern Corporal Samuel Perkins, he adapts to the army’s rigorous discipline. Joey finds solace in evening visits from the kind Captain Nicholls, who will ride him into battle. Captain Nicholls delights in “conversing” with Joey, sketching him and promising to send a picture home to Albert.
Joey soon meets Topthorn, another war horse, and together they are shipped off to France. During their first battle, Captain Nicholls is tragically killed, leaving Joey to navigate the horrors of war alone, amidst the death and destruction surrounding him.
The cast has been expertly chosen, and the depiction of war in this remarkable production is vividly portrayed. A vast array of sound and lighting techniques enhances the experience, transitioning from stark images of battle to moments of complete darkness, allowing our imaginations to fill in the gaps.
What stands out in this production is the meticulous attention to detail, evident in the convincing costumes, set design, and the undeniable talents of the puppeteers. If War Horse is playing near you, be sure to buy a ticket—you’re in for a truly special experience.
By Michael Morpurgo
Music by Adrian Sutton
Director Tom Morris
Phot Credit Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Cast includes Tom Sturgess, Jo Castleton, Chris Williams, Alexander Bollinger
Until Saturday 28th September and then on tour.
Running time:2 hours 35 minutes