Based on Michael Morpurgo’s acclaimed book, Nick Stafford’s stage adaptation of War Horse garnered massive acclaim since its start at the National Theatre all the way back in 2007. Garnering productions in the West End, Broadway and even a Stephen Spielberg film adaptation, exploration of Word War I through the eyes of a boy and his horse has become a modern theatrical classic. I heard all of the hype surrounding its West End production but never got to see it, something I’ve regretted ever since. So the moment I heard the news of its UK tour, it was on top of my radar.
Now that it gallops its way to the New Theatre Oxford, did I think it trotted its way to success?
I was gifted a press ticket in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
War Horse
- Albert Narracott: Tom Sturgess
- Joey: Matthew Lawrence (Head) Rafe Young (Heart) Felicity Donnelly (Hind)
- Ted Narracott: Karl Haynes
- Rose Narracott: Jo Castleton
- Topthorn: Tea Poldervaart (Head), Robin Hayward (Heart), Gun Suen (Hind)
- Joey as a foal: Diany Samba-Bandza (Head), Jordan Paris (Heart), Eloise Beaumont-Wood (Hind)
- David Taylor/Thomas Bone: Ike Bennett
- Chapman Carter/Colonel Strauss: Damian Lynch
- Billy Narracott/Sergeant Klebb: Haydn Burke
- Captain Friedrich Muller: Alexander Ballinger
- Sergeant Fine: Tom Gilbey
- The Singer: Sally Swanson
Rating ★★★★★
What is War Horse about?
At the outbreak of World War I, 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 journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in No Man’s Land. Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find Joey and bring him home.
What are my thoughts on War Horse?
A compelling production from start to finish, director Tom Morris and revival director Katie Henry respect what Morris did with Marianne Elliott in the original production of War Horse for this tour: Capturing the grandeur of its wartime setting while keeping its intimacy through the bond between Albert and Joey that acts as the emotional core – one that drove me to tears. Even if you know they will inevitably reunite by the end, the arduous journey to get there leaves you on the edge of your seat and makes for the most moving and heart-wrenching moments. Pulling no punches on the horrors of World War I, you feel the impact it left on thousands through Joey and Albert’s eyes.
I mustn’t continue without praising the breathtaking puppetry designed by Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company. Already admirable to look at with the horses’ life-sized proportions, it’s the small details in the designs and movement that give them a soul. Aided by Matthew Forbes’ puppetry direction and Toby Sedgwick’s horse choreography, you don’t even notice the puppeteers handling them because the expressions and gestures are enough to know what they’re thinking. When Joey transforms from a foal to a majestic horse, it’s a spine-tingling moment.
What complement’s War Horse’s marvel in puppetry is the gorgeous visuals. While minimalist, Rob Casey’s lighting design (inspired by Paule Constable’s original lighting) and Rae Smith’s set create scope, featuring a strip of parchment paper that projects sketches taking you from an idyllic Devon to the grey world of No Man’s Land that gradually become more scribbled – one that makes blood red poppies a gut-punch. Adrian Sutton’s soaring score creates a cinematic feel to the production and amplifies the rollercoaster of emotions onstage.
What’s the cast like?
Tom Sturgess’ leading performance as Albert is a truly captivating one. Starting as a naive boy, he nails the character’s emotional journey as he grows into a man haunted by the horrors of war and keeps his determination to get Joey back. When he breaks down in the trenches and yells his wish for it to all be over, you fully understand why. Karl Haynes and Jo Castleton are equally as compelling as his parents, reckless Ted and honestly human Rose. Alexander Ballinger also creates a compelling emotional turn as German captain Friedrich Muller who realises the futility of war while spending time with Joey and Topthorn.
I must also highlight the puppeteers who play the heads, hearts and hinds of Joey (Matthew Lawrence, Rafe Young and Felicity Donnelly) and Topthorn (Tea Poldervaart, Robin Hayward and Gun Suenat) at the press performance. Bringing so much personality to their equine puppets, they make you believe you’re witnessing real life horses onstage that become friends in spite of their initial hostility. Sally Swanson is equally as important figure to War Horse as the Singer who performs songs that bring all the themes together.
What are my overall thoughts?
A breathtaking and moving production, the UK tour of War Horse reminds you why it’s one of the most innovative pieces of modern British theatre. A visual marvel and a visceral feast for the senses, they don’t neglect the powerful storytelling that’s one to undoubtedly bring tissues for. All else I can say is I urge you so see this production if you can as soon as possible.
War Horse runs at the New Theatre Oxford until January 4 2025. Buy your tickets here.
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