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War Horse

Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford
In association with Handspring Puppet Company
A co-production with Michael Harrison, Fiery Angel, and Playing Field.

Booking and details

Now playing
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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, 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.

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Reviews

Video

Two life-sized puppets of horses, being made to rear up on their hind legs by their teams of three puppet handlers for each horse.
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Trailer

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

Cast confirmed up to June 2025

2024-25 Tour Artistic team

Author

Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo

Adapter

Nick Stafford

Nick Stafford

Director

Tom Morris

Tom Morris

Revival Director

Katie Henry

Katie Henry

Designer / Drawings

Rae Smith

Puppet Design and Fabrication

Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company

Lighting Designer

Rob Casey

Rob Casey

Director of Movement and Horse Choreography

Toby Sedgwick

Toby Sedgwick

Puppetry Director

Matthew Forbes

Matthew Forbes

Animation and Projection Design

Nicol Scott for 59

Nicol Scott for 59

Animation and Projection Design

Ben Pearcy for 59

Ben Pearcy for 59

Music

Adrian Sutton

Adrian Sutton

Songmaker

John Tams

John Tams

Sound Designer

Christopher Shutt

Christopher Shutt

Casting Director

Jill Green CDG

Jill Green CDG

Casting Associates

Olivia Laydon

Casting Associates

Tom Shiels

Associate Designer

William Fricker

William Fricker

Associate Costume Designer

Johanna Coe

Associate Lighting Designer

Tom Turner

Tom Turner

Music Associate

Matthew Gough

Associate Sound Designer

Rob Bettle

Rob Bettle

Resident Director

Anna Marshall

Assistant Puppetry Director

Lewis Howard

Lewis Howard

Props Supervisor

Charlotte King

Charlotte King

Associate Props Supervisor

Alberto Achar

Costume Supervisor

Sarah Holmes

Assistant Costume Supervisor

Aimee Carter

Assistant Lighting Designer

Charly Dunford

Assistant Sound Designer

Raffaela Pancucci

Raffaela Pancucci

Musical Director

Dom Coyote

Dom Coyote

Voice Coach

Carol Fairlam

Carol Fairlam

Dialect Coach

Rebecca Daltry

Rebecca Daltry

Fight Director

Paul Benzing

Paul Benzing

Dramatherapist

Samantha Adams

Samantha Adams

Sustainability Consultant

Nico Conde

Original Artistic team

Author

Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo

Adapter

Nick Stafford

Nick Stafford

Director

Tom Morris

Tom Morris

Director

Marianne Elliott

Designer / Drawings

Rae Smith

Puppet Design and Fabrication / Puppet Director

Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company

Lighting Designer

Paule Constable

Paule Constable

Director of Movement and Horse Choreography

Toby Sedgwick

Toby Sedgwick

Original Animation and Projection Design

Leo Warner for 59

Original Animation and Projection Design

Mark Grimmer for 59

Music

Adrian Sutton

Adrian Sutton

Songmaker

John Tams

John Tams

Sound Designer

Christopher Shutt

Christopher Shutt

 

 

War Horse at the New London Theatre photographed by Brinkhoff Mögenburg.