War Horse
Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo
Adapted by Nick Stafford
A co-production with Michael Harrison, Fiery Angel, and Playing Field.
Booking and details
The global phenomenon returns
Our acclaimed production returns in an all-new UK tour. War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France, in a remarkable story of courage, loyalty and friendship.
Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford and directed by Tom Morris, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage.
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.
Further venues and dates to be announced.
Reviews
‘An entertainment phenomenon’
Daily Telegraph
‘Be sure not to miss this stunning show’
The Times
‘An extraordinary piece of theatre, absolutely guaranteed to move the heart’
Sunday Express
‘A triumph of theatricality’
The Observer
‘A landmark theatre event’
Time Magazine
‘Theatrical magic’
The New York Times
Video
Gallery
Production images from New London Theatre
Suitability
Age recommendation: 10+
This production contains loud sound effects, flashing lights and strobe lighting.
Supporters
War Horse on tour is supported by Charles Stanley, the National Theatre’s Partner for Financial Wellbeing.
Cast
To be announced
2024-26 Tour Production team
Author
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo
Adapter
Nick Stafford
Nick Stafford
Director
Tom Morris
Tom Morris
Tom Morris was Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic and has been Associate Director of the National Theatre since 2004.
Revival Director
Katie Henry
Katie Henry
Designer / Drawings
Rae Smith
Rae Smith
Puppet Design and Fabrication
Basil Jones for Handspring Puppet Company
Basil Jones for Handspring Puppet Company
Puppet Design and Fabrication
Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company
Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company
Lighting Designer
Rob Casey for Ammonite
Rob Casey for Ammonite
Rob Casey is the co-founder of Ammonite, a company specialising in the technical development and support of a diverse range of live entertainment.
Director of Movement and Horse Choreography
Toby Sedgwick
Toby Sedgwick
Puppetry Director
Matthew Forbes
Matthew Forbes
Animation and Projection Design
Nicol Scott for 59 Productions Ltd
Nicol Scott for 59 Productions Ltd
Music
Adrian Sutton
Adrian Sutton
Adrian is a composer and producer whose scores cross orchestral, chamber and electronic genres.
Songmaker
John Tams
John Tams
Sound Designer
Christopher Shutt
Christopher Shutt
For the National Theatre: London Tide, The Crucible (West End), Much Ado About Nothing, The Corn is Green, Paradise, Hansard, Antony and Cleopatra, Top Girls, Julie, John, Twelfth Night, Man and Superman, Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour and War Horse (also West End and Broadway and on tour)
Casting Director
Jill Green CDG
Jill Green CDG
Associate Designer
Will Fricker
Will Fricker
Original Production team
Author
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo
Adapter
Nick Stafford
Nick Stafford
Director
Tom Morris
Tom Morris
Tom Morris was Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic and has been Associate Director of the National Theatre since 2004.
Director
Marianne Elliott
Marianne Elliott
Designer / Drawings
Rae Smith
Rae Smith
Puppet Design and Fabrication
Basil Jones for Handspring Puppet Company
Basil Jones for Handspring Puppet Company
Puppet Design and Fabrication
Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company
Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company
Lighting Designer
Paule Constable
Paule Constable
Recent National Theatre includes: Nye (also Wales Millennium Centre), Till the Stars Come Down, The Confessions, Dixon and Daughters, The Normal Heart, The Visit, or The Old Lady Comes to Call and The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Director of Movement and Horse Choreography
Toby Sedgwick
Toby Sedgwick
Original Animation and Projection Design
Leo Warner for 59 Productions Ltd
Leo Warner for 59 Productions Ltd
Original Animation and Projection Design
Mark Grimmer for 59 Productions Ltd
Mark Grimmer for 59 Productions Ltd
Music
Adrian Sutton
Adrian Sutton
Adrian is a composer and producer whose scores cross orchestral, chamber and electronic genres.
Songmaker
John Tams
John Tams
Sound Designer
Christopher Shutt
Christopher Shutt
For the National Theatre: London Tide, The Crucible (West End), Much Ado About Nothing, The Corn is Green, Paradise, Hansard, Antony and Cleopatra, Top Girls, Julie, John, Twelfth Night, Man and Superman, Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour and War Horse (also West End and Broadway and on tour)
War Horse at the New London Theatre photographed by Brinkhoff Mögenburg.