The National Theatre’s globally acclaimed production of War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, is set to embark on a major 18-month UK tour, visiting Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday, 22nd April to Saturday, 3rd May.
Adapted by Nick Stafford and originally directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, War Horse has become the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre, winning over 25 major awards and captivating more than 8.3 million people worldwide. This all-new tour is co-produced with Michael Harrison, Fiery Angel, and Playing Field.
The production tells the heart-wrenching and inspiring story of a young boy named Albert and his horse, Joey, set against the backdrop of World War I. This emotionally charged drama, filled with stirring music and powerful songs, features ground breaking puppetry by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings life to the galloping, breathing horses on stage. Since its premiere in 2007, War Horse has inspired generations of theatre-makers with its stunning inventiveness.
Director Tom Morris shared: “It’s a huge privilege to revisit War Horse and share this powerful story with audiences once more. Michael Morpurgo’s brilliant narrative, exploring the brutal reality of war through the eyes of a horse, continues to resonate today. This production was born out of experimentation at the National Theatre Studio, and it's thrilling to reunite with the creative team to bring Joey back to life on stage.”
Author Michael Morpurgo added: “I’m overjoyed that the National Theatre’s iconic production of War Horse is returning. When Covid forced the show’s closure in 2020, many, myself included, feared it would never return. But now, it’s really happening. War Horse is about the tragedy of war, but it’s also about family, community, courage, and hope—most importantly, reconciliation.”
Set at the start of World War I, War Horse follows Joey, Albert’s beloved horse, who is sold to the Cavalry and shipped to France. Caught in enemy fire, Joey embarks on a remarkable journey, serving on both sides before ending up in no man’s land. Back in Devon, Albert, too young to enlist, embarks on a dangerous mission to find Joey and bring him home.
This tour of War Horse marks the 110th anniversary of the First World War’s outbreak and the 40th anniversary of the publication of Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling novel, which has sold over 35 million copies worldwide in 37 languages.
Kate Varah, Executive Director of the National Theatre, expressed: “We’re thrilled to launch this new UK tour of War Horse. This production has captured the hearts of millions worldwide since its debut in 2007, and we’re excited to bring it to audiences across the UK. It’s a story that resonates with all ages and beautifully showcases the magic of live theatre.”
Creative development for the tour is led by Tom Morris with revival director Katie Henry, featuring reimagined designs by Rae Smith and additional music by Adrian Sutton. The puppets, designed and fabricated by Adrian Kohler of Handspring Puppet Company, continue to play a central role in the production, with lighting design by Rob Casey, movement and horse choreography by Toby Sedgwick, and puppet direction by Matthew Forbes. Additional team members include animation and projection design by Nicol Scott for 59 Productions, sound design by Christopher Shutt, and casting by Jill Green CDG.
Since its world premiere in 2007 at the National Theatre, War Horse has toured globally, with productions in 97 cities across 14 countries, including Broadway, Toronto, Berlin, and several UK and Ireland tours.
War Horse is supported on tour by Charles Stanley, the National Theatre’s Partner for Financial Wellbeing.
