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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.

Tour venues

Liverpool Empire
Until 19 April 2025
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Milton Keynes Theatre
22 April — 3 May 2025
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Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
7 — 17 May 2025
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Bristol Hippodrome
3 — 21 June 2025
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The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Booking opens Friday 28 March
10 — 19 July 2025
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New Wimbledon Theatre
Booking opens Friday 28 March
5 — 16 August 2025
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Leeds Grand Theatre
19 August — 6 September 2025
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Newcastle Theatre Royal
10 — 20 September 2025
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Edinburgh Festival Theatre
2 — 11 October 2025
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Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
15 — 25 October 2025
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Norwich Theatre Royal
28 October — 8 November 2025
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New Wimbledon Theatre
5 — 14 September 2024
Lowry, Salford
18 — 28 September 2024
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
8 — 19 October 2024
The Marlowe, Canterbury
22 October — 2 November 2024
Sunderland Empire
5 — 16 November 2024
Theatre Royal Plymouth
26 November — 7 December 2024
New Theatre Oxford
10 December 2024 — 4 January 2025
New Victoria Theatre, Woking
14 — 25 January 2025
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin
29 January — 1 February 2025
Grand Opera House, Belfast
4 — 15 February 2025
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
4 — 8 March 2025
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
11 — 22 March 2025
Theatre Royal Glasgow
25 March — 5 April 2025

Galleries

Open Gallery Dialog: 12 images A performer interacts with a lifelike horse puppet on a dimly lit stage. The horse is made of intricate, skeletal framework with two visible puppeteers inside. Other actors in period costumes look on, and colorful bunting hangs overhead.
A performer interacts with a lifelike horse puppet on a dimly lit stage. The horse is made of intricate, skeletal framework with two visible puppeteers inside. Other actors in period costumes look on, and colorful bunting hangs overhead.
A performer interacts with a lifelike horse puppet on a dimly lit stage. The horse is made of intricate, skeletal framework with two visible puppeteers inside. Other actors in period costumes look on, and colorful bunting hangs overhead.
View 12 images
A man in a military uniform stands at attention on a stage, with five other uniformed individuals in the background. The backdrop features a monochromatic image of a shipyard or harbor. The scene is from a theatrical production. A theatrical scene featuring two actors dressed in World War I military uniforms, sitting on the stage, looking distressed. Behind them are two other actors, one holding an accordion, and a lifelike horse puppet operated by puppeteers. The background is dimly lit. Actors perform on a theater stage featuring a brown horse puppet, controlled by three puppeteers, pulling a plough. The backdrop displays a torn, sepia-toned landscape illustration. Multiple performers, dressed in period costumes, interact and move across the stage amidst dramatic lighting. Actors on stage performing a play featuring large, lifelike horse puppets. One actor, dressed in a military uniform, interacts with a horse puppet while others dressed as soldiers look on. A backdrop displaying the words A theatrical performance on stage features a large cast in period costumes. A man at the center stands on a crate, directing or addressing the crowd. The backdrop displays an artistic depiction of a townscape under dramatic lighting. Silhouetted figures of soldiers with rifles charging in formation on a stage. Above them, a backdrop displays an image of more soldiers charging through barbed wire. Bright lights shine down through smoke, creating a dramatic, intense atmosphere. A woman wearing a floral blouse and waistcoat holds a large open book, while a man in a military uniform writes in it. They are on a stage with a dark background, illuminated by a spotlight. The scene suggests a dramatic moment in a theatrical performance. Two soldiers in World War I uniforms are sitting in a trench at night. The soldier on the left holds a rifle and looks toward the other soldier, who is reading a letter. Both wear helmets and appear to be in a serious conversation or situation. A stage production featuring several actors, with one in military uniform riding a large horse puppet. The background shows a projection of an old street scene with colorful bunting. Other actors in period clothing stand nearby, watching and interacting. A stage performance features two men in old-fashioned attire, one leaning forward angrily while the other holds up a small leather pouch. Behind them, other actors dressed in similar period costumes stand near a puppet of a small horse. A backdrop shows a vintage street scene. A theatrical scene featuring actors and two life-size horse puppets on stage. One actor rides one of the puppet horses while others stand nearby, one playing an accordion. The background displays an illustration of a rural landscape with trees and buildings.

Production images

Open Gallery Dialog: 11 images A group of people in a large indoor space are operating two large horse puppets, one brown and one black. Several individuals are controlling each puppet's movements, while others observe and assist. The scene is a rehearsal.
A group of people in a large indoor space are operating two large horse puppets, one brown and one black. Several individuals are controlling each puppet's movements, while others observe and assist. The scene is a rehearsal.
A group of people in a large indoor space are operating two large horse puppets, one brown and one black. Several individuals are controlling each puppet's movements, while others observe and assist. The scene is a rehearsal.
View 11 images
People in a rehearsal space: one person in a military uniform talking to another in a purple shirt, others in the background, and one person operating a large horse puppet. Scene conveys a theatrical preparation with focus on detailed military costumes and puppets. A group of people stand in a room, some holding musical instruments. One person in a red uniform and hat stands out in the center, looking forward with a serious expression. Others around him appear to be listening attentively or preparing for a performance. Two people handling a large horse puppet made of dark, metallic materials with intricate details. They are indoors with a wooden wall and other people in the background. The person on the left is touching the puppet's face, and the person on the right is holding its reins. Two men are having a serious conversation in a room filled with people and horse puppets. One man is in a black outfit with his arms crossed, while the other, in an orange shirt, holds a folded military jacket and looks intently at the first man. Other individuals and puppet horses can be seen in the background. Four people are working together to manipulate a large, detailed horse puppet. The puppet's structure is made of natural-colored materials, including wood and leather. The background is to be an indoor studio with various equipment. Four people are standing in a brightly lit room with a gray curtain background. Two men in casual blue tops and jeans listen attentively to a man with curly hair, holding a large open book. A woman in a light blue outfit also listens, holding a smaller book. A group of four men are playing musical instruments. Two of them are playing trumpets, one is playing a tuba, and another is playing a drum. They are standing in a rehearsal space with a curtain in the background. They are wearing casual clothes. A group of people rehearse with a large, intricate horse puppet in a spacious studio. The horse, made of metal and other materials, is manipulated to appear lifelike. Some participants hold the puppet’s frame, while others interact with it energetically. A group of people stand in a rehearsal room, most holding scripts or papers. They appear focused, with some wearing casual fitness attire and gloves. The setting suggests a practice session, for a performance. A group of people are in rehearsal in a spacious room. A woman handles a large, articulated puppet of a horse, while a man assists her. Others in the background observe and interact, suggesting a collaborative rehearsal environment.

Rehearsal images

Reviews

★★★★★

‘An entertainment phenomenon’

Daily Telegraph

★★★★★

‘Be sure not to miss this stunning show’

The Times

★★★★★

‘An extraordinary piece of theatre, absolutely guaranteed to move the heart’

Sunday Express

6 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.
Play Video

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.

Charles Stanley logo

Cast

Rianna Ash
Photo portrait of Rianna Ash

Rianna Ash

Joey / Topthorn Head

Alexander Ballinger
Photo portrait of Alexander Ballinger

Alexander Ballinger

Captain Friedrich Müller / Allan

Eloise Beaumont-Wood
Photo portrait of Eloise Beaumont-Wood

Eloise Beaumont-Wood

Baby Joey

Ike Bennett
Photo portrait of Ike Bennett

Ike Bennett

David Taylor / Thomas Bone

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

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

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

National Theatre Shop

Visit our Shop website for a wide range of playtexts, gifts and prints of past production posters.

 

 

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