War Horse

War Horse at National Theatre, Olivier

Why see War Horse?

Galloping back to London

The stunning international smash hit War Horse gallops back into its National Theatre home this spring! Based on Michael Morpurgo's heartbreaking novel, its breathtaking fusion of drama and innovative puppetry is a masterpiece of modern theatre. It has spent two decades conquering the world, winning accolades wherever it plays. Discover the phenomenon for yourself when it returns to its home stable from May 16th.

With its incredible life-sized, life-like horse puppets and moving plot, War Horse stole the show, quite literally, when it first opened back in 2009 - even warranting a royal visit by the Queen herself! Since then, War Horse has toured extensively, including places like China, the USA, and Belgium, bringing Michael Morpurgo's heartbreaking story to the far corners of the globe.

What is War Horse about?

World War I has just begun, and young Albert's beloved horse Joey, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. As Joey becomes caught up in enemy fire, fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving both British and German soldiers, experiencing peace on a French farm, before finding himself stranded in No Man's Land. Meanwhile, at home in England, Albert cannot forget Joey, and so illegally enlists in the army, embarking on a dangerous mission to France to bring him back home.

Key Information

Audience

10+ This production contains loud sound effects, flashing lights and strobe lighting.

Dates

Showing until 30 Jul

Upcoming Performances

Cast

  • Anita Adam Gabay as Emilie/Joey as a Foal)
  • Rianna Ash as Joey/Topthorn head
  • Eloise Beaumont-Wood as Joey as a Foal
  • Stephen Beckett as Ted Narracott/Strauss
  • Ike Bennett as David Taylor/Thomas Bone
  • Jo Castleton as Rose Narracott
  • Owen Dagnall as Geordie/Alternate Albert
  • Alexandra Donnachie as Joey/Topthorn head
  • Felicity Donnelly as Joey/Topthorn hind
  • Sam Goodchild as Joey/Topthorn hind
  • Danny Hendrix as Vet Martin
  • Jasmin Hinds as Matron Callaghan
  • Linford Johnson as Sergeant Fine
  • Andrew Keay as Joey/Topthorn hind
  • Nicholas Khan as Arthur Narracott/Brandt
  • Manuel Klein as Friedrich/Priest
  • Michael Larcombe as Joey/Topthorn hind
  • Matthew Lawrence as Joey/Topthorn head
  • Madeleine Leslay as Paulette/Sarah Carter
  • Wade Lewin as Joey/Topthorn head
  • Jack Lord as Klausen/Allan
  • Damian Lynch as Thunder/Carter
  • Lewis McBean as Joey/Topthorn heart
  • Chris Milford as Joey/Topthorn heart
  • Corey Montague-Sholay as Billy Narracott/Klebb
  • Jordan Paris as Joey as a Foal
  • Anne-Marie Piazza as Nell Allan/Schnabel
  • Daniel Rock as Captain Stewart/Ludwig
  • Simon Stanhope as Manfred
  • Tom Sturgess as Albert Narracott
  • Sally Swanson as The Singer
  • Lucy Thorburn as Jenny Bone/Annie Gilbert
  • Christopher Williams as Captain Nicholls/Dr Schewyk
  • Niko Wirachman as Joey/Topthorn heart
  • Rafe Young as Joey/Topthorn heart

Please note: The producers can't guarantee the appearance of any performers on any specific date.

Creative

  • Based on the Book by Michael Morpurgo
  • Adapted by Nick Stafford
  • Directed by Marianne Elliott
  • Directed by Tom Ellis
  • Set and Costume Design/ Drawings by Rae Smith
  • Puppet Design and Fabrication by Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company
  • Lighting Design by Paul Constable
  • Movement Direction and Horse Choreography by Toby Sedgwick
  • Animation and Projection Design by Leo Warner for 59
  • Animation and Projection Design by Mark Grimmer for 59
  • Music by Adrian Sutton
  • Sound Design by Christopher Shutt

Reviews

Customer reviews

Shona Howie

An Emotive roller coaster. A Must See!

After reading the book and watching the film it blew my mind, every twist and turn was both surprising and emotional. The puppets make it come alive and the energy put into it is amazing, I myself am only 15 years old and I was in peaces by the end of the first act, words cannot describe it's magnificence it truly has to be seen to be believed. This show will blow your mind and will change your view of theater forever. ... Read more

Wendy

Outstanding!

Everything about this show is amazing... the acting, the lighting, the music and, of course, the horses. I had to keep reminding myself that they aren't mechanical, that there are actual people controlling them and making them seem so life-like! Highly recommended and not just for horse/animal lovers - it's a really interesting portrayal of the war and how it affected people on all sides. ... Read more

G.Wardman

Show let down by theatre

Great show enjoyed all aspects of the National Theatre's production but it was let down by the venue at the New London Theatre. Seated in C10 & C11 in the dress circle the view was OK but it was too hot and very uncomfortable i.e. cramped for leg space and no centre aisle which meant that all traffic passed by the same people all the time. What a bad design for people to have access to their seats! ... Read more
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