War Horse

War Horse

A story of great courage during times of adversity continues at the New London Theatre as the Handspring Puppet Company presents a compelling show that effortlessly showcases great peril and heart warming emotion.

The show is “War Horse”, a production that started life at the Olivier National Theatre in October 2007 and has continued strong since that opening day. It has been met with critical acclaim and audience numbers to match, leading up to a monumental occasion in 2009 when the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attended an evening’s performance, much to the surprise of the other audience members at the New London Theatre. It opened in its current home in April 2009 after great demand provided it with a new venue following its closure at the National. It is a decision that should be relished by theatregoers in London, who are provided with a true classic of modern times – a play that not only demonstrates amazing expertise, but also award winning story-telling.

Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, “War Horse” is set during times of great peril and hardship as the First World War rages through Europe. It is within this war torn world that we meet Albert and his beloved horse Joey, who are as yet unaware of the journey the pair are about to take. The story begins as Joey is sold off to the cavalry to help in the war effort in France, leading to his transportation to the continent and the beginnings of a death-defying adventure. It leaves Albert alone and sad, missing his friend terribly and it is with this in mind that he makes a big decision – to head out into Europe and bring him home. But being too young to enlist and fight, it will be a dangerous mission.

Meanwhile, Joey has seen more than his fair share of sights. During his time in France he has been caught right in the middle of enemy fire, found himself serving on both sides of the war effort and eventually feeling alone and lost in the middle of no man’s land. It is a deeply moving story with an abundance of heart within the war torn setting of the Great War.

The expertise on display in “War Horse” is unmatched anywhere else, with the Handspring Puppet Company bringing Joey to life on the stage. Their work allows the audience to witness the horrors of the war through his eyes as the South African company demonstrates the skills they have honed since they became leaders in their field back in 1985. Their work has been seen all over the world, captivating audiences with life like movements and designs, that showcase powerful performances as the actors interact with the puppets in front of our eyes.

Michael Morpurgo’s novel was first published in 1982 and was a runner up for the Whitbread Award of that year. It would be adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford under the direction of Marianne Elliot, going on to win a Laurence Olivier Award, a London Critics’ Circle Theatre Award and an Evening Standard Theatre Award. As a result it has cemented itself as a true classic of the stage.

Venue Information and Directions

New London Theatre
166 Drury Lane
London
WC2B 5PW

Seating Plan

Directions

Directions
Take the Piccadilly or Central line to Holborn station. The theatre is approximately 10 minutes walk.