The National Theatre’s smash-hit production of War Horse is set to return to Oxford this year at Oxford’s New Theatre from December 10, running throughout the Christmas period until January 4.
Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel, War Horse tells the remarkable story of a young boy called Albert and his horse Joey, set against the backdrop of the First World War. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama is a show filled with stirring music and songs, featuring ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing, galloping, charging, horses to thrilling life on stage and has inspired a generation of theatre-makers since its premiere in 2007.
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 journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.
Author Michael Morpurgo said:
“I am so delighted the National Theatre’s iconic production of War Horse is back! When Covid closed the show down in 2020 in Australia in the midst of its second World Tour, many thought, and I was amongst them, that we’d never see War Horse on stage again. Now it’s really happening – we will hear the music and songs, be amazed by its design and lighting, live Joey’s story again. War Horse is about the tragedy of war and about a horse and his boy, but it’s also so many other things – it’s about family and community, courage and loss, hope, and most importantly reconciliation.”
This tour of War Horse marks 110 years since the start of the First World War and follows the 40th anniversary of the publication of Michael Morpurgo’s global best-selling novel, which has now sold over 35 million copies world-wide and in 37 different languages.
War Horse received its world premiere on 9 October 2007 at the National Theatre, where it played for two seasons before opening at the New London Theatre in March 2009. Since then, War Horse has been seen in 97 cities in 14 countries, including productions on Broadway, in Toronto and Berlin, with touring productions in the UK and Ireland, North America, the Netherlands and Belgium.
For more information visit WarHorseOnStage.com.
The War Horse Novel
War Horse is a novel written by Michael Morpurgo, which was first published in 1982. It was later adapted into a successful stage play and a film directed by Steven Spielberg in 2011.
Morpurgo was inspired to write the novel after meeting World War I veterans who had served with horses. He wanted to shine a light on their contributions and the often-forgotten role of animals in war.
The story of War Horse is set during World War I and follows the journey of a young horse named Joey, who is sold to the British Army and sent to serve in France. The narrative is primarily told from Joey’s perspective.
Joey is initially trained by a young farm boy named Albert Narracott, and their bond forms a central part of the story. Despite being separated, Albert never forgets Joey and is determined to find him and bring him back home.
Throughout the novel, Joey encounters various characters and experiences the harsh realities of war. He is used as a cavalry horse, pulls artillery guns, and witnesses the devastation and horrors of the battlefield.
The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, courage, and the impact of war on both humans and animals. It highlights the bond between Joey and Albert, as well as the compassion and humanity that can exist amidst the chaos of war.
The novel received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the bond between humans and animals, and its ability to humanize and give voice to the animal characters. It has been praised for its emotional depth and its ability to provide a unique perspective on war.
It has become a popular choice for schools and educational settings, as it offers a unique perspective on history and encourages empathy and understanding. It has also helped raise awareness about the treatment of animals during wartime.
The Play
The stage adaptation of “War Horse” premiered in 2007 at the National Theatre in London and went on to win numerous awards, including Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Play. It has since been performed around the world, becoming one of the most successful and beloved theatrical productions of recent times.
The Movie
8. The film adaptation of “War Horse” was released in 2011 and starred Jeremy Irvine as Albert Narracott. The movie received positive reviews and was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
