It is a strange bond that exists between humans and animals. Though man will always be the master, with his higher intelligence and capacity for organisation, humanity would not have been able to reach the stage of civilisation that it has required without the continuing aid of the animal kingdom. Though there is a saying that it is the dog which is man’s best friend, the species we really have to thank for our success is the horse.
The relationship between men and horses has existed since the dawn of time: pulling our ploughs, taking us to war, allowing us to travel around the globe. The well respected children’s novelist Michael Morpurgo’s book War Horse dramatises this relationship, set against the backdrop of the horror of the first World War. A very successful book that resonated with children’s and adults alike, it has recently been converted into a stage version by Nick Stafford. Now Showing at the New London Theatre, this is a touching and emotionally weighty play that the whole family will enjoy.
The play tells the story of Joey, a horse living in Britain at the beginning of the 1900’s. His life is torn apart when the war breaks out, and he has to leave everything he knew and love as he is sold to the army. Serving in the cavalry, he is taken to France to fight in the war. His journey is an incredible examination of the horror of battle, told from the impartial position of a horse. Soon he is captured and has to fight for the Germans, giving him a unique viewpoint on both sides of the conflict. However, he ends up lost, wandering through the desolate wastes of No Man’s Land. His owner, the youthful Albert Narracott, however, has not forgotten him. Though he cannot enlist himself, being too young, he sets out on a daring quest to find his friend and save him from the brutality of the battlefield.
The New London Theatre’s production of this wonderful play has been called ‘the theatrical event of the decade’ by The Times, and has won an Olivier Award, an Evening Standard Award and a London Critic’s Circle Award. The use of puppets by the Handspring Puppet Company is thought to be part of the shows success in capturing the character of the horse of the title.
Venue Information
New London Theatre
Drury Lane
London
WC2B 5PW View Map
Directions
Take the Piccadilly or Central line to Holborn station. The theatre is approximately 10 minutes walk
