War Horse Reviews

Sean B from Essex, England

SIMPLY INCREDIBLE

Beautiful production! Simply amazing! You have to see it to believe it. Wonderful!

Ray spencer from ne uk

WAR HORSE

An innovative inventive and incredible ensemble piece whose development and presentation justifies every penny the National Theatre receives. This gem boasts terrific performances in a heart warming tear jerking story. The stars of the show are of course the horses or more to the point the heroes of the production who are absolutely central to the show yet go un-noticed are the puppeters whether the head the heart or hindquarters they breath life and personality in to these fantastically crafted creations.The best new drama I have seen all year. Dont miss it. The producion fits the space beautifully and thankfullythe theatre is air conditioned

Chris from Cheshire

THE BEST, MOST INNOVATIVE, MUST-SEE SHOW IN TOWN

Thankfully, this show is gaining in fame and popularity, which is richly deserved. The seats are extremely comfortable and you'd be hard put to find a seat which didn't give you a wonderful, all-round view, so you don't really need to go for the most expensive option. In fact, it's probably better seating from about the 3rd row back and anywhere beyond. The puppets are marvelous - you get so lost in the story you just don't notice the people working them. If you don't believe that, like the majority of the audience when we went, you will be in tears by the end, at the suffering of a mass of wire aka horse, then treat yourself asap. This show is a heartwarming story, tear-jearking and pure enjoyment for all ages. Excellent all round.

Mrs Scrivener from England UK

FANTASTIC, GO AND SEE THIS SHOW!.

This show is fantastic, the atmosphere, acting and best of all the 'horses' are brilliant, you completely lose yourself into the story, it really touches the heart. Everyone was on their feet at the end giving a standing ovation. The theatre was great, good seats & the stage revolves so everyone gets a good view. I would recommend this show to all adults, and kids of 10yrs+. Go and see.

Ron from Kingston

BREATHTAKING

Saw War Horse last night and am still speechless with wonder at this fantastic production. A great story maginifcently staged and performed. If you get the chance you must see this show, simply wonderful.

Karen from Ottawa, Ontario - Canada

THEATRICAL FANTASTICAL

Don't be fooled by the description 'puppets in cast' - this is fabulous theatre. War, hate, and unconditional love portrayed beautifully.

Shirley Frances Jones from Oxford England

SHIRLEY FRANCES JONES

My daughter bought tickets to see this moving play for my 80th Birthday. I was a Londoner, who lived through the second world war, also aware of the Great War; I had an Uncle who had lost his leg, returned from France, affected by his experience. Dad was called up as a reserve when World War2 broke out. He chose the RAMC not wanting to kill anyone, was captured trying to bring some wounded men back to Dunkirk and became a POW; I saw him for three days at Christmas 1939 when he told Mum never to split up with me again. We were in the blitz living with my grandmother and other members of my mother's family in London, sleeping in the Anderson Shelter every night. Dad was missing believed killed; Mum kept it from me while doing war secret warwork, obviously stressed. But dad was a POW; his first letter said 'Get out of London.' We did. We were reunited in 1945. This play emphases the sadness of war and I wept, as many did. A brilliant performance adapted from a brilliant Author's book.

Jackie from UK

OUTSTANDING

I have to say I went to see this as I am a horse rider. The manner in which the horse's movements and mannerism's were portrayed I found remarkable. Not only that but the story line portraying the suffering of all concerned in the first world war was very moving. Not to be missed.

Sarah from Hertfordshire

WAR HORSE

I recently took a trip of 90 sudents to see this production and was blown away by the outstanding quality of the production. I was delighted to see every student engrossed by the story and crying by the end. See this while you can it is fantastic!

Denise C from Dorset, UK

AMAZING

A unique, mesmerising not to be missed show. The horses seem to have a life of their own, earned a well deserved standing ovation!!

Roy from Hampshire UK

BEYOND MY EXPECTATION

My partner wanted to see this play for her birthday and I was not that enthusiastic, but it knocked me out it was brilliant and funny and sad at the same time. It also makes one reflect on the stupidity of war. Go and see it

Malcolm Hutchinson from UK

STUNNING & MAGNIFICENT - THANK YOU EVERYONE INVOLVED

This was the most moving and effective stage show I have ever seen. One is left gasping at the originality and genius of the whole production team as they take us beyond Theater and leave us utterly appalled and ashamed of our inability to resolve conflict by peaceful means. Don't miss this harrowing but wonderful experience.

Anonymous from Anytown, AT 55555

ESSENCE OF HORSE

A truly moving piece of theater everyone should see this your life will be enriched, the essence of the horse is in every flick of an ear with the story underpinning a remarkable event every performance deserves a standing ovation.

Emma from Suffolk, UK

ABSOLOUTELY FANTASTIC, HEART WRENCHING, BELIEVABLE

I loved this production, the acting was excellent, and the way the horses were played was amazing - so life-like. Bring tissues, because you WILL cry!

M Weatherley from UK

THE POWER OF THE IMAGINATION

I wish to give in writing the standing ovation I'd have given to the puppeteers had I realized it was THEY coming forward to take a bow and not in the moment of its happening, an unexpected bunch of strangers! Their performance was so hypnotic that although I was sitting in the front seats and they'd been working right under my nose for the whole of the performance, I didn't recognize a single face. I think other people must have experienced the same thing, because the applause at that point seemed universally, decidedly hesitant and with retrospect, a fraction of what it should have been. In self defense, I think we were still in the emotional aftershock of the play and needed longer to adjust to coming back to the inside of the theatre. I so wanted the puppeteers to come forward again, to be able to give them their singular due, but they didn't, except as part of the assembled corps. This was last Saturday night. Please forward this to them. We enjoyed the whole production hugely. My teenaged daughter thought it the best piece of theatre she'd seen to date. I came away freshly amazed by the transformative power of story telling. There was a point where the hero finds a knackered horse (still alive despite being worked to death and despite having been shot through the head by the soldier who had used him) where I found his action of taking his sword from its sheath to put an end to the animal's misery, so graphically shocking I actually found myself looking AWAY. My only reservation was to do with the confusion I experienced where I twice thought our hero had been killed off. The second time this happened he mysteriously morphed into a German soldier. Maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention. In any case, I was so relieved I'd got it wrong both times, it wasn't difficult to readjust. I thought the other actors' interactions with the puppets, excellent. I thought the pace of this production and the casting, perfect. I hugely enjoyed the stage design and the subtle and effective incorporation of animation into the drawn backdrop. The music gave really powerful support to the narrative. I thought it was wonderful. The atmosphere and the emotions I experienced during the performance haunted me for two days after the event and my daughter is determined to see it again.

Rita Abbie from Surrey, England

WONDERFUL WAR HORSE

The most stunning, wonderful show. Will definitely see it again. Good Luck with the Olivier Awards - you all deserve to win.

Clare wood from Hampshire U.K

OUTSTANDING , PHENOMENAL, HEART WRENCHING....

are just some of the words I would use to describe this production... the horses really do come alive,and the actors seemlessly work with them ... They (actors and puppeteers )have portrayed their characters with total feeling and honourably have shown us what our brave soldiers and horses did for this country... I feel humbled by their portayal ....

AB from Cornwall,Ontario,Canada

"AMAZING"

A very moving production. The horses were amazing. A must see especially if you are looking for something just a little different. Don't forget your tissues. Good for all ages and yes I would take my mother or my children.

Mrs Janet Webber from Surrey, UK

WAR HORSE

I went to see this beautiful sad play with my two sisters, and was privileged to see it with them as the play is very beautiful, tragic and sad and wonderful. You do need a hanky though! Wonderful

F.Colley from London UK

WARHORSE ~ A MUST SEE!

So moving and so well conceived,acted,sung,accompanied and choreographed, including the very talented puppeteers. Patrons were exceptionally well cared for by front of house staff, in particular Hannah was excellent. I would emphatically recommend this for someone planning a great night out in New York. Seats were very good even though on the side, the stage enabled a good panoramic view. This show IS for children,mothers and everyone else! We found a great restaurant right opposite the theatre.

Rachel from Worcester, UK

THE FANTASTIC WAR HORSE PRODUCTION

This must-see show is amazing! The seats are confortable and all a good view of the stage. The puppets are marvelous! The making of the horses was brilliant, and you get so lost in the story you just don't notice the people working on them. By the end ofthe show you will be in tears, at the suffering of a horse but also the great ending.Morpurgo's novel is a wonderful story and this production lives up to it. i think this is a heartwarming and tear-jearking story. This is pure enjoyment for all ages.

Lizanne Lloyd from UK

MESMERISING AND MOVING

PLEASE go and see this show, it is wonderful. The hoses are just so incredibly lifelike and the handlers manage to give each one a character of their own. It has a poignant story line that will bring a lump to the throat of even the most hardened person. It is a triumph for all concerned. Thank you.

Laura from London

WOW

What an experience!! Everything you hope for from a visit to the theatre and then some more. Incredible cast, amazing "horses", fabulous stage setting. A real truimph

G Davies from UK

BREATHTAKING

Has to be seen-the horse movements are incredible and the show was really moving-I forgot I was watching "puppets"

Michelle from Norfolk, UK

WAR HORSE

The most beautiful and fantastic craftmanship of the actors, for me a horse lover, the puppets turned into real horses after about 15 minutes,I shared my pack of tissues with the charming lady next to me at the tearful end. I am hoping to go back this year to take my friend. Can't put into words how fantastic. I hope it runs for ever x

Carla skinner from england

FANTASTIC - BLOWN AWAY!

Me and my sister took my daughter (aged 12) to see this stage show after we all read War Horse. The show was fantastic and we forgot the horses were puppets within the first 2/3 minutes. Couldn't recommend it enough. Now waiting for the film!

Debi from London

TAKE TISSUES AND DON'T READ THE BOOK FIRST!

this play takes you on an amazing journey and, if you allow them to, the horses will enter your heart. The puppetry is so clever and effortless that you forget they do not have souls and believe their every move, in all the pain and all the characteristics. my only advice would be to save reading the book until after you've seen the play; let the screenplay take you on the journey rather than try to follow the book plot as they differ slightly.

D Williams from GB

MUST SEE!

Just recently seen this show, it was the best that money could buy. You simply have to see it, we were in the front row which we thought might be to close, let me assure you, it was not. It will give a sense that you are there. Brilliant show!!!!!

G.Wardman from London, England

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!

Wendy from London, UK

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.

Shona Howie from London,

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.

Carol from Preston

MAGNIFICENT!!!

I was given this night out at War Horse as a surprise gift for my 65th Birthday by my sister. The performances and puppetry were amazing. The actual book sent me on a mystical journey using my own imagination and was wonderful so I wanted to see the theatre production to compare, I was not disappointed! It was way above expectation and a phenominal success for me. The story will stay with me forever and I will never cease to be amazed by the stamina and excellence of the puppetry,which faded as you got into the whole atmosphere,they took on a realism I've seldom experienced and the size and grandeur of the horses came across realistically and wonderfully.An absolute must for all theatregoers.Well done to all the cast and production staff,A triumph!!

Angela parnham from sutton in ashfield notts

ACTING BRILLIANT MAKES IT APLEASURE TO WATCH

I went to see this musical on Saturday 26th april 2014 and can say it's really gripping the show of this story is so entertaining and relaxing and so funny , ithe memories of it will stay with me forever I would recommend anyone to go see this you willnot be disappointed. I'd love to see this show over and over again.

Stephanie Mott from Romford Essex UK

HORSETASTIC

Absolutely delightful and exhilerating. Horses were magnificent as was everything. Enjoyed the show immensely. One complaint - too much swearing by the sargeant major in the second half which was unnecessary and might not be suitable for youngsters or visitors to the country. Otherwise brilliant

T. Feaster from London

WAR HORSE ON A BUDGET

Having limited my budget to buying 'restricted view' tickets I was very interested to see just how 'restricted' my view would be. Unfortunately the very start of the show took place in the back right-hand corner of the stage which is precisely the bit neither I nor any of the 'restricted viewers' could see despite much head- and whole-body-moving by everyone around me - which was somewhat disappointing and a bit puzzling to try to work out the scene by sound alone. Surely it would not have been difficult to include us by placing these centre stage!? After this the whole experience was just stunning (with only a couple more occasions when we could not see what was happening at all). The 'horses' were brilliantly portrayed - and genuinely moving and one was totally caught up with the tragedy of the situation from an unexpected viewpoint. My one real gripe is the extortionate price of the ice-cream which I feel is all part of the theatre experience!

Richard B. from Lancashire, UK.

MESMERISING

This is a very captivating theatre production and offers an excellent balance between comedy and tragedy. The horses are an absolute masterpiece and their 'handlers' deliver brilliantly throughout; my partner is an experienced horse rider and said the movements of the horses were unbelievably accurate even when they are not centre stage. It would be easy to let the technical aspects of the horses become the primary focus of the production but it all meshes together really well and the two hours and thirty minutes of the play offer few opportunities for distraction to set in. Whilst there is a danger that a story of this nature could become twee and sentimental, it does not fall into that trap and the portrayal of a senseless war adds the necessary pathos. Some of the acting bordered on melodramatic but overall it was a high standard; the musical narrator was excellent and provided the production with a very rich and evocative atmosphere. I would highly recommend this production.

Oldcolner from Glasgow

BRILLIANT

Mesmerising and wonderfully performed, I loved every minute and the horses were bought to life {and death} amazingly. One bit of the plot about the girl in france didnt go anywhere and could have been cut as maybe it was a little overlong - but only a minor criticism.

Geoff Davis. from London

CONS CRIT

Fri 12/3/10.After 30 secs I forgot the horse wasnt real. I cried buckets [HGV Drivers are like that.] On the down side, Im not sure the tank worked and the ending seemed rushed. But I would recommend and go again if only to re-visit the sheer genius of the puppeteers. Congratulations to all.

Clare from Isle of Wight, England

SCHOOL TRIP

I am only 11years old and went on a school trip to London. We went to see War Horse and we thought that it was brilliant! One of my friends commented that 'it was the best performance that she had ever seen!' The view from the seats was fantastic. It was as if you were touching the horse. I recommend the rear circle. My whole class loved it! Even my teacher! To some it up in one word 'A-MAZ-ING!'

Ben from ipswich

WAR HORSE OR HOT HOUSE

Can the management get a grip with the problem of air conditioning.The audience on Sat Aug 18 were slow boiled in a temp of 39C for near on 3 hours .If it was not for the brilliant performance most would have had to walk out. This theatre has air con installed so we are led to believe and it looks like it is not maintained correctly or has been forgotten for other priorities .If bad maintenance is the case one could ask further questions regarding associated maintenance including legionella prevention in air handling systems.

Leah Williams from UK

STUPID

French!!!!

Page:123456All