War Horse UK Tour - New Wimbledon Theatre

The Crown Jewel of British Theatre

Photography: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

★★★★★

It is eighteen years since Joey the horse first trotted onto the stage, and all these years later, his story is still breaking the hearts of audiences. This latest outing maintains the wonder and majesty of previous runs and tours, once again proving that this play is a staple, must-see of British theatre. It is a timeless reminder of the sacrifices made in a world torn apart by conflict, which sadly seems to be more relevant than before in Joey’s eighteen years. 

War Horse, based on the novel by the beloved Michael Morpurgo, charts the story of Albert, a teenager at the outbreak of the First World War, who trains up a foal he names Joey to work on his parents’ farm after his father drunkenly purchases him to one up his brother. The bond they form is unbreakable. But as war breaks out across Europe, Joey is sold, behind Albert’s back, to the army as part of the war effort. Distraught, Albert signs up to fight and heads to France in the hope of finding his horse. A story of kindness, cruelty and compassion told through the eyes of an innocent animal caught on both sides of a dreadful conflict.

The unquestionable star of this show are the magnificent equine puppets created by the Handspring Puppet Company and the puppeteers that breathe life into them. It is no surprise that they have become a recognisable mascot of the theatre scene; they are simply mesmerising. The puppeteers vanish into the texture of the horse, working in seamless harmony to create the illusion. As an audience, we believe that these horses are alive. They are masters of their craft, and it has to be a bucket list item for any theatre lover to see them in action. Tom Sturgess offers an impressive performance as Albert Narracott, capturing the determined innocence of a teenager caught up in horrific conflict. He brings heart and warmth to the stage and works beautifully with the puppeteers to shape the bond between boy and horse. 

This is a show that has to be seen to be believed, and its impact on the theatrical landscape can not be overstated. The direction from Tom Morris and Revival Director Katie Henry has stood the test of time and will continue to do so for decades to come. The large ensemble cast are wonderful and tenderly tell this story as they shift between characters and roles, whisking us up in the narrative. The design has been updated since it's last major tour, with greater video design that expands the scale of the production and is a welcome addition from Nicol Scott and Ben Pearcy. It is a show shaped and sculpted with precision and love that will bring the hardiest of hearts to tears - I speak from experience here.

This is essential theatre.

On tour until November 2025 - Tickets

Photography - Brinkhoff-Moegenburg