A modern day stage classic, “War Horse” has earned its place at the top of the ladder when it comes to the most admired show in the West End. Ever since it first appeared at the National Theatre it has been the source of great praise and this has translated into high sales of theatre tickets and plenty of attention for its current home of the New London Theatre. Not only is this thanks to a great script and some compelling performances from the cast, it is also thanks to the hard work of the Handspring Puppet Company, who have created some wonderful puppets to bring the horse of the title to life.
The horse in question is called Joey and at the start of “War Horse” he lives in England with the young Albert, who loves his beloved friend and is horrified when he is forced to give him up. Joey must be sold off to the cavalry to fight in the Great War and soon Albert is left in England and lonely, missing his horse dearly.
Joey has embarked on a perilous journey in mainland Europe and it is here that he finds himself fighting on both sides of the war effort, before being stranded alone in no-man’s land.
Albert, meanwhile, has decided enough is enough and will rescue Joey himself and sets off on a journey to the continent to do so. But he is too young to enlist and fight and so he knows it is going to be a dark and dangerous trek through war-torn Europe.
“War Horse” was first published as a novel in 1982 by Michael Morpurgo and made it to the stage at the National Theatre October 2007 where it was immediately met with great praise. It would later open its doors at the New London Theatre, where it has remained since, whilst a movie version directed by Steven Spielberg is set for release at the end of 2011. So it is clearly a property that people have great faith in and thanks to some compelling characters and a great story, not to mention the great work that goes in behind the scenes, it is likely to continue to find new fans further down the line.
War Horse continues at the New London Theatre where it is likely to remain well into the new decade.
Venue Information
New London Theatre
Drury Lane
London
WC2B 5PW View Map
Directions
Take the Piccadilly or Central line to Holborn station. The theatre is approximately 10 minutes walk
