War Horse, Theatre Royal Plymouth, 29 Nov until 07 Dec 2024, The National Theatre’s acclaimed production returns in an all-new UK and Ireland tour, 5☆☆☆☆☆. Review: Indigo Cleverley.

Photo Credit Brinkhoff Moegenburg

War Horse, Theatre Royal Plymouth, 29 Nov until 07 Dec 2024, The National Theatre’s acclaimed production returns in an all-new UK and Ireland tour,

5☆☆☆☆☆. Review: Indigo Cleverley.

“Powerful, memorable and important.”

Nearly two decades after premiering at the National Theatre, War Horse is back on another UK tour, as powerful as ever. Having been seen by over 8.3 million people and with over 7500 performances, this acclaimed production is both a visual and an emotional masterpiece; it is no surprise this show has been performed across the globe and won multiple prestigious theatre awards.

The story stays faithful to Michael Morpurgo’s novel, following the touching story of Joey, who grows from a nervous foal to a powerful stallion, sold to the Calvary and Albert, whose naivety and innocence are eclipsed by the horrors of the frontline of World War I when his shielded life on a Devonshire farm is suddenly traded for the trenches of Northern France as Albert departs on a journey to be reunited with his cherished horse.

The most striking and unique element of this production is the beautiful puppetry - designed by Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company - bringing Joey to life through carefully choreographed movements and the puppeteers on the night - Tea Poldervaart, Robin Hayward and Gun Suen - working fluidly as one to convey Joey’s playful, loving nature. Similarly, the portrayal of Topthorn, a majestic black horse, is skillfully done, particularly in the high-tension battle scenes and through the development of Joey and Topthorn’s friendship and loyalty to one another.

As Albert Narracott, Tom Sturgess excels in portraying the significant growth he experiences - Albert’s moments of overwhelming emotion are poignant and give an important insight into the haunting mental toll on the young men and lower classes, serving as valuable social commentary on the futility of war - a message which is still as relevant as ever. Every ensemble member plays an important role, ranging from Devonshire village people with strong community spirit to soldiers battling on the frontline; every character is memorable and distinctive.

An important part of this production, lighting (Rob Casey) and sound (Christopher Shutt) play invaluable roles in the storytelling and atmosphere created for audience members. Throughout the play, there is a projection of a ripped section of a sketchpad, with drawings by Rae Smith, adapting to the changing environments through dates, visual depictions of the setting and a memorable moment where blood stains become poppies - the only time when a bright colour is used during the battle scenes.

Shutt’s sound design, with music by Adrian Sutton and songmaker John Tams, work together expertly through ensemble and solo singing, pre-recorded sound effects and live instruments to create an immersive atmosphere which is almost four-dimensional - particularly with singing and a fanfare played from the dress circle. Sally Swanson as ‘The Singer’ appears onstage in key moments set against Swanson's folk singing, an eerie soundtrack to the action unfolding.

Powerful, memorable and important, War Horse is an impeccable piece of theatre that takes you on a journey filled with tears, jump scares and occasionally laughter - it is a production that truly has everything and leaves a resonant mark on audience members, a salient reminder of the sacrifices made by those during the First World War.

Cast

Captain Friedrich Müller/Allan - Alexander Ballinger

David Taylor/Thomas Bone - Ike Bennett

Billy Narracott/Sergeant Klebb - Haydn Burke

Matron Callaghan - Sophie Cartman

Rose Narracott - Jo Casteton

Geordie - Owen Dagnall

Sergeant Fine - Tom Gilbey

Ted Narracott/Brandt - Karl Haynes

Paulette/Sarah Carter - Madeleine Leslay

Private Klausen/Priest - Jack Lord

Chapman Carter/Colonel Strauss - Damian Lynch

Nell Allan/Private Schnabel - Anne-Marie Piazza

Arthur Narracott/Sergeant Thunder - Gareth Radcliffe

Captain Stewart/Ludwig - Daniel Rock

Emilie - Diany Samba-Bandza

Veterinary Officer Martin - Alistair So

Manfred - Símon Stanhope

Albert Narracott - Tom Sturgess

The Singer - Sally Swanson

Jenny Bone/Nurse Annie Gilbert - Lucy Thorburn

Lieutenant Nichols/Doctor Schweyk - Chris Williams

Joey:

Head - Tea Poldervaart

Heart - Robin Hayward

Hind - Gun Suen

Topthorn:

Head - Matthew Lawrence

Heart - Rafe Young

Hind - Felicity Donnelly

Joey (foal)

Head - Diany Samba-Bandza

Heart - Jordan Paris

Hind - Eloise Bueamont-Wood

Creatives

Director - Tom Morris

Revival Director - Katie Henry

Designer/Drawings - Rae Smith

Puppet Designer and Fabrication - Adrian Kohler (for Handspring Puppet Company)

Lighting Designer - Rob Casey

Music - Adrian Sutton

Songmaker - John Tams

Sound Designer - Christopher Shutt