Writer: Michael Morpurgo
Adaptor: Nick Stafford
Director: Tom Morris and Katie Henry
When War Horse first charged into the theatre world, with its bold puppetry and theatrical ambition, it felt like a watershed moment, redefining what theatre could be and holding audiences captive. Now, two decades on, that magic is still present, but the edges perhaps feel a little worn.
The standout element remains the puppetry from the Handspring Puppet Company. When Joey first gallops across the stage, and in particular when we first see him full grown, the sense of wonder is genuine. The craftsmanship and synchronisation of the puppeteers are extraordinary. Yet, as the evening progresses, the novelty inevitably begins to fade: what once felt fresh and surprising now feels familiar, and it’s a reminder that even the most spectacular technical feats need narrative and staging to sustain them.
Among the cast, there are definite highlights. Captain Friedrich (Alexander Ballinger) delivers the evening’s most resonant performance. His quiet conflicted tone, torn between duty and compassion for the animals in his charge, brings unexpected depth to what can otherwise become a broad wartime tableau. The rest of the large cast deliver solid, with Tom Sturgess as Albert delivering warm, and emotionally grounded presence opposite Joey.
While there is some immersive innovation in the staging choices, certain choices do hamper the experience. Some of the action takes place at the very front of the stage apron area and in front of the stage, meaning for much of the auditorium moments are obscured or partially lost. For a show so reliant on visual detail and movement, this leads to muting of emotional consequence at key moments.
Ultimately, War Horse remains an important piece of theatre history; a production that changed what audiences expected from live performances. This production brings it to live in a way which will no doubt be captivating for new audiences, but its impact does feel softened. It’s still a good show, it may not be the revelation it once was.
Runs Until: 8 November 2025
