Photos courtesy Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
The Regent hosts The National Theatre’s production of one of Michael Morpurgo’s most loved and daring tales, the 1982 novel, War Horse.
Adapted by Nick Stafford, directed by Tom Morris with Katie Henry in the role of revival director, it tells the story of Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, who is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France at the outbreak of World War One . 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 Joey and bring him home.
Tom Sturgess wonderfully plays Albert, made even more special having the local connection with him resident in Stafford. His stage presence and character acting were magnificent showing Albert’s wonderful carefree nature on his Exeter farm and how he shares the kindred free spirit with Joey. This makes the horrors both endure in France even more tragic in a stark juxtaposition.
The puppeteers under the direction of Matthew Forbes were stunning. Within minutes your focus starts to see the impressive mechanical puppets as magnificent beasts, such is the fantastic choreography mimicking the smallest flick of the head down to the ferocious galloping across The Somme.
The set is incredibly agile, from the impressive digital background to cast members holding/moving scenery, it sets the tone and provides some opportunities for really clever use of props and transitions. In addition, the folk songs impressively sung by Anne-Marie Piazza at the beginning are quaint and uplifting, become dark and haunting during the scenes of conflict.
It’s impossible to pick one element that makes this production stand out. It is the whole collective that makes this a wonderful sensory experience, fantastic character acting, intelligent use of effects and scenery underpinned by a wonderfully haunting and emotional story.
A genuinely stunning production which you must experience. It’s on until 8th March with Wednesday and Saturday matinees. Tickets available from the box office or online here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/war-horse/regent-theatre/
Puppeters list in full:
Joey
Head – Rianna Ash
Heart – Chris Milford
Hind – Tommy Goodridge
Topthorn
Head – Matthew Lawrence
Heart – Rafe Young
Hind – Felicity Donnelly
Joey as a foal
Head – Jordan Paris
Heart – Diany Samba-Bandza
Hind – Alistair So
