Adapted by Nick Stafford in association with the award-winning Handspring Puppet Company, War Horse tells the story of the First World War through the eyes of one horse, Joey, sold for a record price from a family battle but eventually shipped off to war-torn France much to the distress of his original owner, 16-year old Albert.
This production, directed by Tom Morris and revival director Katie Henry, is a magnificent thing to watch. While it has a limited set, with scenes mostly played to the backdrop of a black box and video projections (perfectly styled to capture the essence of the story), the piece allows the actors and, here, the puppeteers and puppets to create the storytelling.
There is little question on this one occasion that the stars are these puppets and those who create the movement. In no particular order, the horse puppetry honours during my performance were Jordan Paris, Owen Dagnall, Eloise Beaumont-Wood, Matthew Lawrence, Chris Milford, Felicity Donnelly, Tom Quinn, Lewis McBean and Michael Larcombe. Their work is a delight, capturing the equine movement to perfection and, more importantly, the character. Joey and Topthorn (the latter introduced army horse) exhibit many emotions via this movement, including love and fear, from the flick of an ear or the flash of a tail. Simply beautiful.
War Horse has rightfully received the recognition it has achieved. It is a perfect theatrical event, able to entertain audiences far beyond the traditional theatre-going public, with a story sure to tug at anyone's heartstrings and bring a tear to the eye, especially during the final sequences. The tour continues until November and should be on any self-respecting theatre fan's list and any on the fence. Don't be the goose and get trapped outside the theatre doors.
A stunningly created production of a heart-warming novel. Simply beautiful theatre.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(Images feature different performers from those mentioned in this review)
