War Horse

War Horse was written by children's author, Michael Morpurgo and adapted to stage play by Nick Stafford. It tells the story of Joey, a horse from Devon who was sold to the cavalry at the outbreak of the First World War, and shipped off to France. Serving on both British and German armies, he befriends another horse, Topthorn, and ends up getting caught up in enemy fire. With death, disease and calamity all around him, he eventually finds himself alone in no man's land. Meanwhile, the horse's original owner, a young boy named Albert Narracott cannot forget his horse, and although not old enough to enlist, he still ventures out to search for him, and bring him back home. What follows is an extraordinary epic of sadness, heartbreak and hope as young Albert begins his quest to find his horse. This extraordinary tale, imaginatively brought to real life, is currently showing in London's West End at the New London Theatre in Dury Lane. The cast is extensive, with main roles including Kate Colebrook, (Joey as a foal & Emilie), Matthew Forbes as the head of Joey, Henry Maynard as the head of Topthorn, Alex Avery & Luke Jerdy as Coco, Joshua Blake as John Greig, Christian Jenner as Dr Schweyk & Sgt Fine, and Jack Holden as Albert Narracott. Over forty actors make up the main cast, while remaining members of the company complete the casting for minor roles. Author Michael Morpurgo expressed deep reservations of his 1982 book being able to be adapted for the theatre, but since originally showing in 2007, before moving to Dury Lane in 2009, the play has been a major success and will appeal to and be enjoyed by the entire family. War Horse is a unique story and its success has recently been translated into a Spielberg film, as well as the play reaching other parts of the world such as Broadway and Toronto.At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. he’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

The National’s epic is based on War Horse, the celebrated novel by the Children’s Laureate (2003-05) Michael Morpurgo . Actors working with magnificent, life-sized puppets by the internationally renowned Handspring Puppet Company lead us on a gripping journey through history.

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