Reviews
Latest reviews, April 2009
FIVE STARS: ‘Genius isn't too strong a word to describe this astonishing production. Daily Telegraph
FIVE STARS: ‘Be sure not to miss this stunning show.' The Times
FIVE STARS: ‘A uniquely moving spectacle.' Daily Mail
FIVE STARS: ‘I wept like a baby through War Horse at the National, and again all through this transfer.' Sunday Times
FIVE STARS: 'The most moving and spectacular play in London.' Sunday Express
‘If ever a piece of theatre worked magic then it must be War Horse.' Evening Standard
'War Horse has galloped from the Olivier to the welcoming expanses of the New London Theatre. It's a perfect fit. Brilliantly inventive.' Independent
‘Theatrical magic... puppetry that has to be seen to be believed.' Metro
Reviews for 2007/8 runs at the National Theatre
FIVE STARS: ‘So exhilarating that it makes you rejoice to be alive. Sweeping drama of extraordinary power… Its sheer skill and invention are simply awe-inspiring.’ The Times
‘One of the most powerfully moving and imaginative productions of the year, whatever age you happen to be.’ Daily Telegraph
FIVE STARS: ‘An extraordinary piece of theatre… guaranteed to move the heart.’ Sunday Express
FIVE STARS: ‘War Horse only confirms the National’s extraordinary knack of turning children’s literature into the finest drama. Stunning.’ Sunday Times
FIVE STARS: ‘A remarkable achievement… an astonishing piece of theatre.’ Time Out
FIVE STARS: ‘Pure animal magic.’ Daily Mail
‘Even Equus pales in comparison with the dazzling puppet design.’ Guardian
‘Staged with thrilling flair… uncannily beautiful equine puppets created by the South African company, Handspring. A superlative sense of emotional depth.’ Independent
‘The production achieves an epic scope and scale… Thrilling. It will achieve a rapt hold on audiences.’ Evening Standard
‘A triumph of theatricality… a heart-stopping staging of Michael Morpurgo's First World War story. One of the National's biggest ever hits.’ Observer
‘Electrifying… Superlative puppets bring Joey and other animals to life in ways that are often extremely moving. A family show that’s going to be hard to beat.’ Metro
‘A marvellous piece of theatre, often desolate, often terrible, often moving and finally uplifting. By the end everyone around me, young and old, was hunting for a handkerchief.’ Financial Times
‘There are few theatres than can boast the sight of a boy galloping on a full-sized horse – it’s one of the most beautiful moments ever to grace a London stage.’ thelondonpaper
‘As an example of how theatre can be created from disparate components – puppetry, lighting, movement and sound – War Horse will not be surpassed by any show this year.’ Whatsonstage.com
Audience Reviews
Just a few of the many comments received from audience members who saw War Horse during its two runs at the National Theatre.
‘I would like to say, as a regular theatre goer, that War Horse was one of the most wonderful theatrical experiences I have ever had. It was quite overwhelming. I never want to see a production a second time, but War Horse would be an exception.’
‘Quite stunning. The puppetry was superb. It has been one of the most memorable evenings and I could not recommend it highly enough.’
‘I went to see War Horse and it was amazing. The story is so moving. The cast were awesome. The puppets were brilliant too, the way they did everything like real horses! I am so glad I finally got tickets!’
‘It must be pretty good theatre if a puppet can make me cry. The most awesome thing was the ability of the puppeteers to imbue emotion into their puppets, such that you forgot that they were made of wood.’
‘The puppets were extraordinary. The set was fantastic. But for me it was the music that bound together the component parts of the play and so summed up a lost era of English life.’
‘A magnificent, thought-provoking and emotional experience.’
‘It is one of the most beautiful stories of friendship I have ever encountered. You can take so much from it. If you want a powerful and hard hitting piece of truthful theatre, go and watch it now!’
‘I can only say that it was one of the most exciting, clever and moving productions I have seen.’
‘Truly a production that spans the generations and will enchant all who see it. It must find a permanent home to allow more to experience it.’