War Horse Gallops Back To Milton Keynes Theatre Till - Sat 3 May - Review
The global phenomenon returns: The National Theatre’s multi-award-winning production of War Horse will tour to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 22 Apr - Sat 3 May.
The National Theatre’s global smash-hit production of War Horse, the unforgettable theatrical event based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, will embark on a major 18-month UK Tour visiting Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 22 Apr – Sat 3 May.
A Timeless Tale Returns: War Horse Gallops Back to Milton Keynes with Undiminished Power
Eighteen years after its groundbreaking premiere at London's Olivier Theatre, Marianne Elliott's visionary production of Nick Stafford's War Horse reminds us of the National Theatre's vital role in bringing significant stories to life with world-class artistry. This revival tour, expertly steered by director Tom Morris with revival director Katie Henry, marks the play's third powerful appearance at Milton Keynes' Empire Theatre, reaffirming its enduring popularity with audiences worldwide.
Much like Michael Morpurgo's beloved novel, War Horse bravely confronts the horrors of war through the simple yet profound narrative of love and unwavering loyalty. The unbreakable bond forged between young Albert Narracott and his spirited foal, Joey, forms the heart of the story. As the shadow of World War One falls, the sale of Joey to the cavalry sets in motion a journey that sees both Albert and his cousin Billy enlisting and heading into the brutal realities of the front lines. The play unflinchingly follows their intertwined fates, navigating the terrifying landscapes and tragic events of the Somme and beyond. Amidst the chaos, the profound loyalty of the horses serves as a poignant reminder of the shared humanity that transcends the divisions of war.
Undeniably, the true stars of War Horse are Adrian Kohler's extraordinary puppets, brought to breathtaking life by a team of remarkably skilled puppeteers. The nuanced portrayal of Joey is masterfully achieved by Tom Quinn (Head), Lewis McBean (Heart), and Michael Larcombe (Hind). The powerful presence of Topthorn owes much to the artistry of Matthew Lawrence (Head), Rafe Young (Heart), and Felicity Donnelly (Hind). Even Joey's tender beginnings as a foal are captivatingly brought to life by Diany Samba-Bandza (Head), Jordan Paris (Heart), and Eloise Beaumont-Wood (Hind). From Joey's tentative first steps as a foal to the emotionally charged finale, the intricate detail of their movements – a subtle twitch of an ear, a flick of the tail – is impeccably rendered. The palpable nervousness of the young foal in those early moments instantly captivates, blurring the lines between puppet and living creature, rendering the puppeteers utterly invisible.
However, the play boasts a strong ensemble of human actors who deliver outstanding performances. Tom Sturgess and Haydn Burke offer compelling portrayals of the determined Albert and the steadfast Billy, while Alexander Ballinger delivers a nuanced performance as Captain Müller. Jo Castleton's poignantly sung ballads as Albert's mother, Rose, add a layer of heartfelt emotion to the narrative.
Rae Smith's breathtakingly stark set provides a powerful backdrop for the unfolding drama. The action unfolds beneath a vast strip of cloth, cleverly designed to resemble a torn page from a sketchbook. Animated projections dance across this canvas, subtly reminding us of how the stark realities of World War One were often conveyed – through the raw sketches, writings, and notebooks of the soldiers themselves. This design choice also serves as a respectful nod to the play's literary origins. Rob Casey's meticulous lighting design works in perfect harmony with Adrian Sutton's splendidly evocative musical score, creating an electrifying atmosphere that draws the audience deeper into the story. Notably, the complete extinguishing of all house lights during several scenes underscores the immersive nature of the staging, making the request to switch off mobile phones and smartwatches all the more crucial in this performance at Milton Keynes Theatre.
Ultimately, War Horse is heart-rending storytelling presented with immaculate stagecraft. The underlying tragedy of the narrative is never softened, yet moments of genuine wit and humour, coupled with the profound humanity of the central characters and the unwavering loyalty of the horses, elevate the experience, transforming it into a tremendously uplifting and unforgettable piece of theatre.
War Horse, adapted by Nick Stafford and originally directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, has become the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre, winning more than 25 major awards and has been seen by over 8.3 million people worldwide. This all-new tour is co-produced with Michael Harrison, Fiery Angel, and Playing Field.
War Horse tells the remarkable story of a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama is a show of phenomenal inventiveness, filled with stirring music and songs, featuring ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing, galloping, charging, horses to thrilling life on stage and has inspired a generation of theatre-makers since its premiere in 2007.
Director, Tom Morris said, “It is a huge privilege to be invited to revisit War Horse and to share this powerful story once more with audiences around the country. Michael Morpurgo’s brilliant idea, to explore the crushing violence of war through the experience of a horse, makes his story as powerful and resonant today as it has ever been. And in this time of increasing commercialism in theatre, it’s worth remembering that the production which carried War Horse to an international audience was a wild experiment, developed through workshops at the National Theatre Studio, the unique theatre laboratory where ground-breaking hits from Coram Boy and London Road to The Witches were devised. It has been an enormous thrill to return there in recent months to reunite Adrian Kohler’s magnificent puppets with designer Rae Smith, composer Adrian Sutton and other members of the original cast and creative team to start the process of bringing Joey back to the stage.”
Author, Michael Morpurgo said: “I am so delighted the National Theatre’s iconic production of War Horse is back! When Covid closed the show down in 2020 in Australia in the midst of its second World Tour, many thought, and I was amongst them, that we’d never see War Horse on stage again. Now it’s really happening - we will hear the music and songs, be amazed by its design and lighting, live Joey’s story again. War Horse is about the tragedy of war and about a horse and his boy, but it's also so many other things - it's about family and community, courage and loss, hope, and most importantly reconciliation.”
At the outbreak of World War One, 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 him and bring him home.
This tour of War Horse marks 110 years since the start of the First World War and follows the 40th anniversary of the publication of Michael Morpurgo’s global best-selling novel, which has now sold over 35 million copies worldwide and in 37 different languages.
Executive Director of the National Theatre, Kate Varah said: “We are delighted that we are able to launch this major new UK tour of War Horse. This moving and spectacular production has captured the imagination of millions of audience members across the world since it was first performed on the Olivier stage in 2007 and we are deeply appreciative and excited, to be working with our co-producers to make this possible in the current landscape. We look forward to connecting with our partner venues with this much-loved story, that appeals to all ages and which beautifully showcases the magic of live performance.”
Creative development for the tour is being led by Tom Morris with revival director Katie Henry, featuring reimagined designs by Rae Smith and additional music by Adrian Sutton. Puppet design and fabrication is by Adrian Kohler for Handspring Puppet Company, lighting design is by Rob Casey, movement and horse choreography is by Toby Sedgwick with puppet direction by Matthew Forbes. Animation and projection design is by Nicol Scott for 59 Productions, John Tams is songmaker and sound design is by Christopher Shutt. Casting is by Jill Green CDG. They are joined by associate designer Will Fricker and associate costume designer Johanna Coe; associate lighting designer Tom Turner and associate sound designer Rob Bettle.
War Horse received its world premiere on 9 October 2007 at the National Theatre, where it played for two seasons before opening at the New London Theatre in March 2009. Since then, War Horse has been seen in 97 cities in 14 countries, including productions on Broadway, in Toronto and Berlin, with touring productions in the UK and Ireland, North America, the Netherlands and Belgium.
The National Theatre’s Partner for Financial Wellbeing, Charles Stanley, is supporting War Horse on tour.
Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes
