AD | Tickets gifted in exchange in honest review.
All opinions are my own.
War Horse contains - Smoke Pyrotechnics, high-intensity flashing lights, imitation of firearms, loud sound, strong language, blackouts and haze
(Photo Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)
The National Theatre’s production of War Horse is back on tour, based on Michael Morpurgo's novel, the show is adapted by Nick Stafford, directed by Tom Morris with Katie Henry in the role of revival director with the show originally being directed by Morris and Marianne Elliot.
War Horse is set in the onset of the First World War, we follow Albert’s beloved horse Joey, who is sold to the cavalry in the war. We are taken through the high’s and low’s of Joey's journey from farm life to fighting on the battlefield, and finally on the road that Albert takes to bring Joey home to Devon.
Firstly I’d like to say as someone who is familiar with the book and movie but never really read or watched, or even studied it in education, it was a delight to see it for the first time, so I went in blind and with fresh eyes to this popular play.
Adapted by Nick Stafford, Stafford’s novel to stage adaptation is done to perfection. It feels thoughtful to the original material and is beautifully written, as previously mentioned I haven’t seen or read War Horse and to me as a first timer seeing this piece it was easy to follow through its pacing and dialogue. What I liked about Stafford’s adaption is the addition of songs, written by John Tams, the addition complimented the production. Tams songs gave a different slant on what dialogue or direction might not have been able to convey. Walking into the show my original thoughts were that it was a play, but actually turned out to be a kind of a play with music (there is a difference between play with music and a musical). It helped make the characters motivations and objectives clearer, such as when the character Ted Narracott (played by Karl Haynes) sells Joey to go to war, which was a tense moment, the music brought a slight ease to the piece's tension, while still being able to pull straight back into the story. The book continuously shows the true friendship Albert has for Joey, and the determination that Albert has to bring him home. Stafford’s adaption of Morpurgo’s original material is natural and effortlessly brought to life and transferred to a theatrical setting, bringing teary dialogue and imagery of war to the forefront of the mind. Stafford places us in a brilliant story that is admired in its entirety!
Directed by Tom Morris and with Katie Henry as revival director, the direction enhances Stafford’s powerful book, creating strikingly-dramatic direction that is compelling to watch. Morris and Henry’s direction shows off the connection and friendship between Joey and Albert really well, which is played out amazingly by Tom Sturgess (who plays Albert Narracott) and the excellent Joey puppeteers ( Rianna Ash (head), Chris Milford (heart) and Thomas Goodridge (hind) ) and is carried throughout. Morris and Henry direct The Singer (Sally Swanson) as someone who is watching over the piece, and is presented at key moments in the show and key moments for characters. The direction accomplishes the fast paced action of war, which ties in with Matthew Forbes’ movement and horse choreography, which is slick and profound. Forbes’ choreography strives to make sure the horse choreography retains and keeps strong realistic movements, but while making them theatrical as possible, which is all well performed by the puppeteers of Adrian Kohler's superb puppetry design.
(Photo Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)
Tom Sturgess portrays the role of Albert, Sturgess’ performance reflects the description of what Albert is and that he is “a free spirit”. You can see this throughout in Sturgess’ performance, especially when Albert is training Joey. Sturgess’ performance also displays elements of determination across the scenes on the battlefield. Sturgess’ performance is pleasing and is really driven with passion, while also showing the level of courage the character has, Sturgess’ portrayal is excellent on every level.
As a whole, Rianna Ash, Chris Milford and Thomas Goodridge ( who portray Joey) - Matthew Lawrence, Rafe Young and Felicity Donnelly ( who portray Topthorn) with also - Diany Samba-Bandza, Jordan Paris and Eloise Beaumont-Wood ( who portray baby Joey) are masters in puppetry, with lots to admire! They all performed Forbes slick movements to various levels of perfection, moving with clear-cut timing and without missing a beat feeling so well rehearsed. The puppeteers handled the horses with ease and control, with the three trio’s undoubtedly displaying good communication with each other. Excellent collaboration from all.
The whole cast work brilliantly as a collective and work tirelessly to perform a classic story on stage, with many fine performances from Jo Castleton ( who plays Rose Narracott) and Haydn Burke (who plays Billy Narracott) who actions showed the scared and frightened feelings of the people not wanting to go to war and the reality of young people going to war at the time.
Rae Smith’s set design feels right for the show, its simplistic set frames the action and allows the cast to shine on stage. It also helps convey the story through the great drawings that are projected above the stage on what feels like a ripped piece of paper.
War Horse is a true theatre classic, Morpurgo’s tale comes alive on stage and is phenomenal. A theatre full of various demographics shows that this show is timeless and touches everyone. You can see why audiences love it, it’s a show worth seeing in all its glory!
★★★★★
War Horse plays at The Lowry until 28th September before heading on tour across the UK & Ireland.
Running time 2h and 40 minutes including interval.
(Photo Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)
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