About the Show

War Horse returns with powerful storytelling, stirring music, and breathtaking life-sized puppets.

At the outbreak of the First World War, young Albert’s horse, Joey, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Too young to enlist, Albert sets out on a journey from rural Devon to the battlefields to reunite with his beloved companion. The story follows his determination, courage, and the bonds of friendship amid the hardships of wartime.

This production is based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel and features life-sized horse puppets created by Handspring Puppet Company, accompanied by a musical score that underscores the emotional journey. Following a sell-out national tour, the Tony Award-winning show returns to the National Theatre, nearly twenty years after its original debut.

Critic Reviews (7)

"Through unrivalled stagecraft that pours care into every tiny detail, it tells the irresistibly moving story of a boy and his horse."
Read more

"The puppets are astonishing. Made by the South African company Handspring, it's not just that individual puppets are good, but that there are so damn many of them."
Read more

"Wondrous puppetry, perfect casting and Adrian Sutton’s wistful music make for a beautiful staging of this devastating First World War tale"
Read more

"The National has revived its hit adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s tearjerker — it still has the power to move"
Read more

"The OIivier is exploited to its full epic potential in scenes of war and redemption"
Read more

"As long as War Horse exists, the National will be fine. Bring tissues. You’ll think you’re above it. You are not."
Read more

For a previous production

"A gasp-inducing, gut-wrenching show that puts humanity into the horrors of war: we could all learn a lesson or two from Joey and Albert."
Read more