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War Horse hero image
War Horse hero image
War Horse hero image

War Horse Tickets

Gillian Lynne Theatre

The National Theatre’s global phenomenon, War Horse, features specially designed life size horse puppets from the Handspring Puppet Company as it brings Michael Morpurgo’s bestselling novel to life on stage. The heartwarming story of a young boy who enlists in the First World War in the hope of finding his beloved horse continues to delight audiences.

Since premiering at the National Theatre back in 2007, War Horse, has taken the world by storm. Adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford from Michael Morpurgo’s bestselling novel the play famously employ’s specially made life size horse puppets created by the Handspring Puppet Company. These incredibly life like puppets, which require three puppeteers to operate them, replicate the movements of a real horse and have become something of celebrities in their own right. For example they have aided in saluting the Queen from the roof of the National Theatre on her Diamond Jubilee and have accompanied Prime Minister David Cameron on a trip to China.

Marianne Elliot’s critically acclaimed production boasts an Olivier Award winning set design by Rae Smith and original music by Adrian Sutton. The subsequent Broadway production received five Tony Awards including Best Play. This stage play has proved so successful, the story was even made into a Hollywood film directed by Steven Spielberg in 2011.

The story begins with local drunkard, Ted Narracot, attempting to out do his brother by bidding on a foal and winning. Ted’s wife is angry as the money used to buy the foal was supposed to be spent on the mortgage of the family farm. However, instantly adoring the horse, their son Albert offers to train him and ready him for sale. Albert names the foal Joey and the pair develop an unbreakable bond, even winning a near impossible ploughing bet in order to stay together.

At the outbreak of World War One, Ted sells Joey to the cavalry leaving Albert devastated, so much so he enlists under age in an attempt to be reunited with his beloved horse. The story beautifully humanizes those fighting on both sides of the war and highlights the pointless waste of live where men on horses were pitted against machines.

Stunning staging and a truly moving story will ensure this is an unforgettable experience.

Sorry this show closed 12 March 2016, we recommend these similar productions.

Fawlty Towers
The Mousetrap
Performance dates:
12 Mar 2016 - 12 Mar 2016
Running time:
2 hours and 40 minutes.
Age recommendation:
Recommended for children 10+
Audience Notes:
The horse puppets are genuinely impressive and the touching story is a real tearjerker. If you enjoyed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time then you will want to check out this other National Theatre blockbuster. This is a great show for the whole family and also a great way for children to learn about the First World War but please note this production is recommended for ages 10 + as it contains themes of War and death that younger children may find distressing.
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