War Horse – National Theatre

War Horse is a two hour twenty-minute spectacle of sublime animated visuals and skilful puppetry. A story that gets to the heart of the atrocities and impact of World War 1 on the men, families and the cavalry horses involved in conflict. The play introduces Joey as a foal a horse bred to become a fine racing horse who finds his way to a farm. In the mists of desperation, the family need to earn a living, Joey now needs to become a draft horse ploughing fields and supporting the family.

Ted and Rose Narracott task their 16yr old son Albert to care for and train Joey to perform the enviable duties of ploughing, hauling and work as an agricultural horse. As time moved on Albert and Joey form a special bond of shared love, friendship and survival

At the time of the outbreak of the first world war, Albert and Joey are forcibly parted when Ted, Alberts’ father sells the horse to the British Cavalry for a handsome price. The play follows Joey’s journey and his role on the battle ground of France. A devasted Albert unable to forget his equine friend and estranged from his father forges his way into the army, the battlefields and onto the frontline in search of his horse ‘Joey’. Joey navigates danger and touches the heart of everyone he meets. Battle after battle until he is sent to haul the dead and wounded to camp. This play tugs at the heart strings as it’s a realistic reminder of the sacrifices made by men and animals on the frontline. A magnificent symbolism of war that should never had happened. 

This master class of puppetry is a sight to behold Toby Sedgwick movement, and choreography brings out the heart, emotion and stamina of Joey and Tophorn in way that you are watching real horses and the puppeteers become invisible, amazing. The visual animation of war projected on the screen draws you into a world of death, fear and battlegrounds that captures the story perfectly. The lighting bounces through the vision of scenes and there is flashing lights which may not suit everyone but certainly tells the story. There is strong language and references to death. The culmination of the ensemble cast, changing scenes music is crafted in such a way that this play is a vivid vision and experience of emotion.     

Tom Morris has crafted this impactful, wildly realistic play that incites emotion that lives beyond the performance. The legacy of War horse will not be reined in by time; it will inspire and educate generations to come.         

Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo adapted by Nick Stafford in association with award winning Handspring Puppet Company.   

Director: Tom Morris

Director of Movement and Horse Choreography: Toby Sedgwick

Animation and Projection: design 59 Studio  

This play commences at 7.30pm 2hrs 40 minutes duration with a 20-minute Interval 

Run 16^th May – 30^th July 2026 

Booking Link https://www,nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/war-horse/

Reviewer: Michelle Knight

Reviewed: 12^th June 2026

North West End UK Rating: