War Horse

Review by Brad

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

There are some things you should experience at least once in this life. A beautiful sunset, a great love story, a really good tiramisu. If you only ever watch one play in your life, it should be War Horse.

Based on the much loved novel by Michael Morpurgo, the theatrical adaptation first premiered at the National Theatre in 2007. Following several global runs and tours, the show is back on tour across the UK until November.

Set in Devon at the beginning of World War One, the sweet and wide-eyed Albert forms a beautiful bond with a young foal, Joey. When Joey matures into a fully-grown hunter horse, he is sent to France as part of the cavalry. What follows is an epic quest and test of love as Albert sets off on a pain-staking quest to reunite with his beloved horse.

Director, Tom Morris and Revival Director, Katie Henry, have crafted a theatrical experience that is nothing short of phenomenal. Through beautifully detailed and imaginative set, lighting and sound design, you’re immediately thrust into the English countryside, and soon thrown into the all-guns blazing battlegrounds of World War One.

The story feels like an old classic, with drama as moving as it is inevitable. The characters are all given their moment to shine, but no one works harder than the puppeteers. It is simply impossible to not fall in love with the intricate craftsmanship and breathtaking beauty of the two main horses in the show, Joey and Topthorn. The puppeteers fully embody the majestic nature of the horses to a degree that has simply never been done in theatre before.

The use of folk music throughout, led by the wonderfully talented Sally Swanson, contextualises the show’s setting, whilst accompanying countless emotional and high-stakes beats throughout the show.

I would defy anyone to leave the theatre with a dry eye or a heart that is not bursting at the seams. This is simply unmissable theatre.