Theatre: War HorseNew London Theatre

“The theatrical event of the decade!” toots The Times… “The most moving and spectacular play in London!” shouts the Sunday Express… “A remarkable achievement..an astonishing piece of theatre!” bellows Time Out.. 

“Oh goodie!” peeps Poppy – I’ve got a feeling this is going to be a bit good.

War Horse is not good. It’s outstanding.

I thought I was probably the last person in the world to see it, given that it opened in 2007.. but, nay (horse pun!) apparently I was not. The theatre was packed and with so many  different groups of people.. school children (very well behaved too), families, young couples, older couples, elderly couples.. and considering that most of them were on their feet, cheering and hollering at the end, this National Theatre production of War Horse clearly resonates with people on many different levels at very different points in their lives.

Before I talk about the horse (THE HORSE IS AMAZING), I want to talk about the story. I knew it was going to be about a boy and his horse. Oh and WW1.. but what I wasn’t expecting was such a deep and poignant portrayal of life in deepest, darkest Devon, nor such a sensitive and emotional depiction of family life and their and Albert’s (main chap) hardships and struggles in this exceptionally challenging point in British history. 
 
And back to the horse.. the puppetry (and there’s not just a horse) is exceptional. I don’t want to ruin it for you so won’t babble on.. but you can take it from me that you will gasp, you will be wide eyed and you will be amazed at how, at several times during the show, you will not help but believe that a full size, glossy coated, super powerful, full size horse is charging around the stage… it is one of the most magical spells ever cast upon me, (even more magical than when I tried to turn myself into a frog, aged 6. It wasn’t hugely successful.)
There is a deep and intelligent beauty to this production. The hugely talented cast appear to dance through the acts, with a grace and sensitivity, which made me (and the man next to me) weep.  Several times. 

It’s production with a simple and stirring story, which brims with magic and, I thought, miracles. 

I loved every toe tingling moment.. and my toes continued to tingle all the way home.

Well done, War Horse.

Well done.

War Horse is at the New London Theatre 
Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PW

There are 50 tickets on sale at £12 for every performance – give them a call on 020 7452 3000 to find out if there are any available on the date you have in mind…