War Horse Tickets

War Horse, at The Olivier Theatre (part of London’s Royal National Theatre), is the return of a sell out sensation set during the outbreak of World War One. Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, the celebrated children’s laureate (2003-5), this is an epic tale in which we take a trip through history with Joey, the beloved horse, who goes on a heart warming journey. The Times says that is it 'So exhilarating it makes you rejoice to be alive. Its sheer skill and invention are awe-inspiring' whilst the Sunday Express says that War Horse is ‘An extraordinary piece of theatre which is both epic and intimate. Guaranteed to move the heart’.

At the beginning of The Great War, Albert’s horse Joey is sold off to the cavalry and subsequently shipped to France. He is soon taken on an epic journey after he’s caught in enemy fire, eventually finding himself serving on both the British and German sides of the war, then alone in no man’s land. Through Joey’s eyes, we see the horrors of war. His owner Albert, however, misses Joey and cannot get him out of his mind, so soon enough he has enlisted in the army and set out on a mission to find his horse and bring him back home.

War Horse is adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford and directed by Marianne Elliot and Tom Morris. It includes work from the Handspring Puppet Company in creating the effects for Joey and making the horse appear alive onstage in front of you. Based in South Africa, the Handspring Puppet Company has been at the cutting edge of puppetry since 1985, including work with many international productions. Founded by Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler, the company aims to create stylised yet realistic and life-size horses, fully articulated and strong enough to include a rider sat on top of them. The integration of these puppets gives for a unique production glowing with imagination and style.

Starring Toby Sedgwick (Ted Narracott), Luke Treadaway (Albert Narracott) and Angus Wright (Captain Nicholls) amongst others, War Horse is designed by Rae Smith with lighting by Paule Constable. Sound is by Christopher Shufft, with music and lyrics by Adrian Sutton and John Tams. Videos are by Leo Warner and Mark Grinner.

War Horse is at the Olivier Theatre. From September 2008 to Saturday 24th January 2008.