Good shows generally start with a bang or gentle approach; this is the second. The atmospheric, dark, empty set (Rae Smith) begins with a spot on a single actor, who moves down to another actor. She, the singer (Sallly Swanson), then sings, unaccompanied, a heart-stirring song and eventually is joined by a full chorus. The words which stand out and also end the show, are: ”only remembered for what you have done”—and lot is done in this heart-warming story.
A story about farmer Ted Narracott's (Karl Haynes) son, Albert (Tom Sturgess), and his relationship with his beloved horse, Joey. Billly buys the foal at an exorbitant price, spending their mortgage money which mother Rose (Jo Castleton) finds very hard to bear. Such is the bond between Albert and Joey, he trains the thoroughbred to be a carthorse, against all odds, in order to keep his father’s bet, which actually ends being Joey's saviour. The situation worsens when Billy sells the horse to the army cavalry for £100.
Undeterred, Albert lies about his age and joins up so that he may track Joey down, with surprising results. This is not just a story about a boy and his horse; it is about love, loyalty, friendship, jealousy, determination, pride, stubbornness, loss, victory and more. Its many moments of tenderness and sadness involve you right through the show.
Great praise must be given to the 15 puppeteers who work the horses, goose and birds, bringing them to life. Such is the effect, one develops a real empathy with them as living creatures which helps the relationship between them and the actors, especially Albert and Joey. In fact, ‘Joey’ has more character portrayal ability than many live actors; designed by Adrian Kohler of The South African Handspring puppet company, which is responsible for the amazing ‘horses’ and other models. Burke and Castleton establish a sound, believable family unit with Sturgess, with all the 35 cast being strong, often playing more than one character.
The simple, effective set has approximately a 10-foot wall at the back with various scenes drawn and videoed (Leo Warner, Mark Grimmer) on the area above, setting each location. This is beautifully enhanced with Paule Constable’s lighting—she could almost be related to another Constable! The hand of the director, Tom Morris, can be seen in the good use of stage movement and pace. It is impossible to mention all 60 of the production team, but a good job is obviously done by all.
The story is based on the 1982 novel by Michael Morpurgo and adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford. The show premièred in London in 2007, with Steven Spielberg directing the US movie adaption in 2011. This tour marks 110 years after the outbreak of World War I and follows the 40th anniversary of Morpurgo novel, which has sold over 35 million copies and been translated into 37 languages, The stage production has been seen in 97 cities in 14 countries, so very popular.
Horses first appeared in warfare more than 5,000 years ago and still work today in the forces. Exceptionally produced by National Theatre, locally born Michael Harrison, Chief Executive of Crossroad pantomimes and very experienced in all forms of theatre—I speak from experience as am privileged to have worked with him—the award-winning Fiery Angel and Playing Field. War Horse is a wonderful WOW of a show in every sense, an exceptional experience, well worth watching.