War HorseOlivier (National Theatre), West End, Greater London
Synopsis
I want you to do yourself proud, Joey. You go and drive those Germans back where they’ve come from, and then come home to me. At the outbreak of World War one, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. he’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. but Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home. Do I look like I know the latest on every effing ‘orse in the war? Do I look like an effing equine expert or even an effing equestrian enthusiast? Your squadron no longer exists. That’s all I know, Private. Suitable for 12yrs+ Running time 2 hours 25 minutes inc. interval
| Score | Comment | Date |  | A terrific theatrical experience and, unusally for me, a show I have seen again for a third time! Now that it's transferring to The New London theatre I feel less guilty for having twice deprived someone else the chance of seeing this extraordinary sell-out show. Well done to the NT for staging such a stunning production of Michael Morpurgo's very moving story. - rds | 01 Jan 09 | | This is an unmissable experience, the music is also amazing and adds such an atmosphere to the show that you forget where you are! - Kevin Kelly | 08 Dec 08 | | Without question the most extraordinary theatrical experience I've ever had. On one level a straightforard story of a boy who grows up with a horse and goes to war to find him when he is acquired by the army for the First World War, it is an incredible technical and emotional achievement as the horror of the war and the humanity of its participants are brought to life by their interactions with their horses. The way the horses are brought to life on stage is, simply, a work of theatrical genius. - Robin | 07 Dec 08 | | I had the privilege of seeing this amazing show tonight and to say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. This is a beautifully crafted play which tells of the futility of the First World War, through the story of a boy and the love he has for his horse.
The acting was exemplary throughout and those performers who worked the animals especially the horses and made you believe they were real were quite brilliant.
A magical and emotional evening. I have rarely enjoyed anything at the National Theatre as much. - Paul Wallis | 11 Nov 08 | | Yes, it's all true - it's a wonderful show, brought alive by some fine acting (in particular, newcomer Kit Harington as Albert), innovative staging, moving songs and those amazing horse puppets. Bravo NT! - Andrew | 11 Nov 08 | | It's just as good the second time round. The staging is the star - full of imagination and originality. When you find yourself gasping in horror as a puppet horse is about to be shot, you know theatre has cast it's magic spell. Like Coram Boy before it, this is one of the best shows with universal appeal staged anywhere. - Gareth James | 10 Nov 08 | | I came away from the Olivier today feeling very privileged to have seen such a truly stunning piece of theatre. It was brilliantly done and each member of the cast gave an incredible performance. A special bravo to young Kit Harington who played Albert... he has just graduated and this is his first professional engagement. The horses themselves were just so beautiful and the detail that went into their creation is superb, and their equine behaviour a joy to behold. I was in tears many times during the second half (as were several others around me) but I wouldn't have missed War Horse for anything - well done and thank you to all concerned for staging this magical, thought-provoking and very moving play. - Jenny | 30 Sep 08 | | Like the BBC, another subsidised institution, the National is now scheduling an increasing number of repeats. This does though provide another opportunity to see the remarkable War Horse. Substantially recast since last year, mostly successfully and now including a human Emily, the real stars are the astonishing puppet horses. You soon forget the puppeteers and it is amazing how the animals take on personalities. Second time around the second half is a bit repetitive and drags a bit, partially thanks to an underwhelming Muller, but the show knows how to punch the emotional buttons. At the end there was a clamour for extra tissues and not just for the school parties. War Horse remains a reminder of how dramatic live theatre can be. - David Baxter | 30 Sep 08 | | I was lucky enough to see this last year at the National and can honestly say that it was the most astounding piece of theatre I've ever seen.
To call the horses in this play "puppets" just doesn't begin to describe the magnificence of them.
I have owned horses all my life and the attention to detail in regards to their movement and behaviour is incredibly accurate. You truly forget within minutes that these creations are not living breathing animals.
The moments where the baby "Joey" walks unsteadily on stage whinnying for his mother, the goosebump inducing entrance of adult "Joey" rearing centre stage, the wonderful scene of Joey and Albert galloping joyously cross country and the heart breaking agonies the two equine heroes of Joey & Topthorn suffer during wartime, all take you on an emotionally charged and all consuming journey. I laughed and yes, cried throughout!
The puppets are not only used in the equine sense but are also skilfully wielded as birds, a small child and even a rolling tank, all interacting seamlessly with the human characters.
The simplistic set serves wonderfully in focussing your attention solely on the characters. An inspired use of a banner, lit with sketched landscapes, provides an unobtrusive yet highly effective backdrop for the action.
I simply cannot recommend this enough, I have already booked my tickets again for this year and if you are considering a theatre trip this Autumn just be sure to make it War Horse (just remember to take some tissues with you!). - Rhian | 31 Jul 08 | | | Click here for more user reviews and to post your own |
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